Being a consumer in Pakistan is no walk in the park. It is a test of patience, a gamble of trust. Cunning vendors are everywhere, pulling cons and playing tricks. You buy something, and before you know it, you’re caught in a web of deceit. That’s the reality. But there’s hope. There are ways to fight back. There are paths to justice, even in a market that often feels like the Wild West.

Consumer courts exist. They’re there to challenge unfair practices. They work under provincial laws and, in theory, offer a way out for consumers who’ve been wronged. But here’s the catch: they’re slow. Real slow. The backlog of cases is staggering. People don’t even know they can use these courts. A 2022 report found that 60% of urban consumers were clueless about their rights. Rural areas? Even worse. Without awareness, these courts are like a locked door with no key.

Then there’s the Federal Ombudsman, the Wafaqi Mohtasib. This office is supposed to help with grievances, but it’s limited. They handle public services like electricity and water. Need help with a private-sector scam? Forget it. That’s not their job. And........

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