The Government of Punjab has just activated consumer protection councils across the province. Authorities introduced these changes through the Punjab Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act 2025. Consequently, these councils aim to improve public services and actively safeguard consumer rights.
Importantly, the new legal framework expands protection to cover both traditional and online transactions. The government established a dedicated consumer protection office in J Block, Model Town, Lahore. Citizens can submit complaints directly at this location. Alternatively, consumers can lodge complaints online from their homes through the official website. Furthermore, the government expanded these councils to 35 districts across Punjab to ensure wider public access.
Consumer Councils: Immediate Action & Enforcement Powers
District consumer protection councils will operate under the chairmanship of deputy commissioners. Specifically, these councils hold the authority to address complaints regarding defective goods, poor services, non-disclosure of product details, and the failure to issue receipts.
Upon receiving a complaint, council directors will take immediate action. Council teams will visit the location directly. Then, they will investigate the matter and penalize shopkeepers if they find violations. Throughout this process, officials will keep the complainant informed.
Moreover, authorized officers, including deputy and assistant commissioners, can impose strict penalties. They can issue fines ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 100,000. Alternatively, they can fine violators up to the exact value of the product or service, whichever is lower. Besides resolving complaints, council duties include market monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and routine business inspections to ensure standard compliance.
Independent Operations & Judicial Shift
The consumer councils offer free dispute resolution services to the public. Meanwhile, the government transferred traditional consumer courts to sessions courts. Therefore, previously pending cases now fall strictly under these newly designated courts. Finally, authorities clarified that the consumer councils will operate entirely independently. They will not intervene in cases currently being heard by the consumer courts.
