Punjab introduces app for filing online complaints in consumer courts

A dedicated website has been launched by the Punjab government to facilitate consumers in filing complaints from the comfort of their homes. 

Now, any consumer can lodge a complaint online against shopkeepers for providing defective goods or unsatisfactory services, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Thursday.

According to the report, consumers can file their complaints by visiting the official portal at www.consumerservice.punjab.gov.pk on their computers. 

This initiative was introduced following repeated difficulties faced by residents of Lahore’s far-flung areas in travelling to court to register cases in person.

Now, consumers are required to upload all relevant receipts along with their complaint to ensure proper follow-up.

 Issues like failure to honour warranty, contractors or labourers abandoning construction work, supply of faulty electrical appliances, substandard beauty salon services, or delay in delivering women’s clothing can now be reported through the online system.

Upon receiving a digital complaint, the registrar of the consumer court will contact the complainant directly.

The 24NewsHD TV channel had earlier reported that the Punjab Consumer Act was enacted in 2005, leading to the establishment of consumer courts in 2007.

The channel further highlighted in its September 2021 report that Lahore witnessed a record surge in complaints, with 500 to 600 consumer cases being filed daily.

However, only one judge is currently available to preside over these daily cases, making it extremely challenging to maintain efficiency. As a result, courts are able to hear only 100 to 125 cases per day, leaving the rest pending.

At present, 2,011 cases remain unresolved in the consumer protection courts.

Reporter: Shaheen Atiq