[1] “Analysis of Consumer Protection Laws in Pakistan” http://www.studymode.com/essays/Analysis-Of-Consumer-Protection-Laws-In-1638913.html
[2] http://www.crcp.org.pk/
[3] http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-4-230884-Consumer-protection-bill-takes-a-back-seat http://www.nation.com.pk/national/16-Feb-2014/the-elusive-consumer-protection-ordinance
[4] http://www.cc.gov.pk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=196
[5] http://www.secp.gov.pk/complaintform1.asp
[6] http://www.bankingmohtasib.gov.pk/complaints.php
Sources
Sindh
Sindh was the last province to introduce consumer law. This is surprising, as Sindh is the economic backbone of the country, with Karachi being the largest and most economically active city of the country. Finally in 2007, Sindh Consumer Protection Ordinance, 2007 (SCPO) was promulgated.
The problem is that Sindh Consumer protection ordinance lapsed in 2007, without Sindh Assembly introducing an act to replace it. Therefore, as things stand, there is no consumer protection act operational in province Sindh at this moment.
So unlike in other provinces, a consumer cannot is barred from bringing a case to a consumer court. In addition to this, apart from some exceptions, they will not even be able to rely on consumer laws in a session court.
Till the last sitting of the Sindh Assembly, consumer bill had not yet been passed[3]. The bill is introduced as a Private Bill by MPA Sharmila Farooqi.
Consumer protections in other spheres
On federal state level, there are certain institutions created to protect consumers:
Competition Commission of Pakistan - An independent body and has the mandate to ensure fair competition, prohibit cartels and abuse of dominant position. Any “victim” can ask the CCP to start investigation[4].
Security Exchange & Commission of Pakistan – Regulates the stock and shares market. Investors can register complaints through a complaints form[5].
State Bank of Pakistan – It regulates financial institutions. It has an office of Banking Mohtasib (Ombudsman) that registers complaints and resolves them[6].
Conclusion
It is amazing that there is such a variant in the consumer protection in Pakistan. From zero special consumer protection in Sindh to a very active consumer protection regime in Punjab. This uneven protection creates confusion in mind of consumers and even manufacturers across Pakistan.
It is advisable that a coherent consumer protection regime should apply throughout the country. We can understand some Provinces will have specific issues and protections that are pertinent in their areas. However, that said, the variance here is astonishingly large and it is less to do with bespoke requirements and more to do with indifference. In this instance, the Punjab Government has certainly played a leading role in protecting consumers and other provinces are lagging, especially Sindh.
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