Punjab government decides to close 17 consumer courts
Pakistan
Summary highlights that cases are relatively low while expenses are significantly high
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Punjab government decided to close 17 consumer courts as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved presenting the summary to the provincial cabinet.
According to official documents, amendments are being planned for the Punjab Consumer Protection Act 2005.
The summary suggests appointing district judges in one or more districts, in consultation with the Lahore High Court, to serve as consumer court judges.
Data from the Directorate of Consumer Protection Council shows that over the past three financial years, only 8,381 cases were filed in the courts. A total amount of around one billion rupees was allocated for these cases.
The summary highlights that the number of cases is relatively low while expenses are significantly high. On average, Rs 117,167 were spent per case, putting a heavy burden on the treasury. In the last financial year, only 1,864 cases were heard.
To protect consumer rights, the Punjab government had earlier established district consumer courts in Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Bahawalnagar, Layyah, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Sahiwal, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan,, and Mandi Bahauddin.
