CSR:Corporate Social Responsibility

 Few years back when everything was going good for Pakistan ,economy was stable ,IMF and the world Bank was happy,US aid was flowing in for every sector.Friendly countries were eager to help or be seen helping.The corporate sector of Pakistan which is mostly multi-national or foreign based was squeezing the lemon to the fullest and enjoying the lemonade.They were happy and their marketing departments were busy in promotional schemes to attract more and more buyers for their products or services.Schemes and campaigns to give out something extra as gifts and souvenirs was very common mostly targeting the young ones.For the smart or older customers they used the price cuts and discounts benefits to keep the brand loyalty intact.The famous brand of soda Coke gave out free glasses through crown caps,Pepsi used to give out cricket kits and other sports stuff...which was very popular it boosted the sales of their product in karachi and most urban population of Pakistan.The everyday tea whitener handed out special mugs for valentine and things like that.The funfare continued all year round and especially on occasions like pakistan day ,new years,ramadan,school vacations etc..
One day i was watching my favorite morning show on television and i heard and learned about CSR or the Corporate Social Responsibility.At that time i was not aware of how badly the global recession could hurt the Pakistani Corporate sector in particular and the economy in general.  

Honestly i believe that the pressure to do more and to take the responsibility has changed the rules of the corporate game in Pakistan altogether.
As a consumer and a client  i have always prefered the interaction the big multinational company have with me in form of marketing strategies.The moment i enter a shop and choose a product from a dozen different brands or declines a salespersons offer to buy the same product of a different brand,i feel connected.The three seconds of joy when i find a free sachet of shampoo with an extra-large bottle of shampoo give me the pleasure that somebody in the corporate world is thinking about me and me only while it boosts the confidence of the company that i will come again.To me that was responsible behavior almost like a relation.Its been like that for decades.  

Now somebody changed the rules of the brand wars by introducing the CSR in Pakistan's Corporate sector.I am not saying that its right or wrong,good or bad because deep down inside a part of me keeps reminding me that its not good to be so selfish and just think about me and my joys.I have to let them think of others for a change.I have to let them take some of the responsibility of the social change in Pakistan.Especially the issues like Education,Health and the welfare of the poor and underprivileged.Normally in a welfare state it is the responsibility of the local and state governments and the elected representatives and bodies.Unfortunately Pakistan is a failed state both politically and socially for reasons beyond anybody's control and the time is running out.We see new born and very young children on the streets ,homeless,beggars and garbage pickers.in every big and small city and town of Pakistan they are Pakistani's too and above all they are Human beings for crying out loud.
So now when i see the commerical of a product or service i intend to use or walk in a shop or super market i should decide on the basis of the CSR rating of that brand owner.