REPUTABLE manufacturers in Pakistan sell their products with replacement and after-sale warranties, but these often turn out to be little more than hollow promises.

I recently purchased a refrigerator that was found to be faulty even at the time of its initial installation. The company’s technician shrugged off my complaint, saying the defect was common in all its models.

Separately, the company charged me Rs8,500 for repairing a microwave oven and Rs2,500 for repairing a washing machine after both the appliances stopped functioning. The amount had to be paid even though the warranty period was still not over.

Upon my complaint, the company confirmed that the relevant receipt numbers were not available in the records, implying malpractice on the part of the technician. The company representative promised to investigate the matter, but no follow-up action has been taken.

In the West, such cases are dealt with strictly. Consumer rights groups ensure that corporate and production are held accountable. There is no Ralph Nader in Pakistan to establish a consumer-protection advocacy group.

Nader’s efforts in the United States inspired volunteer law students to spearhead several platforms. These led to groundbreaking investigations and overhaul of the US Federal Trade Commission. To satisfy the groups, the US government was forced to enact several landmark laws related to effective consumer protection.

Deeba Javed
Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2025