"Large consumers" in Pakistan are formalizing an alliance using their purchasing power to enlarge the marketplace demand for iodized salt, The News (Karachi) reported January 15.

"Organized by The Network for Consumer Protection, the meeting was based on the theme ‘Iodised Salt: An Easy Solution to Iodine Deficiency,’ and was attended by a representative cross-section of large consumers including the Naanbais Association, Edhi Foundation, Pakistan Railways, Ministry of Tourism, PTDC, Youth Hostels Association, hoteliers, hospitals, civil society, chamber of commerce, private food companies and the Utility Stores Corporation."