Online Eid shopping proves risky

As the joyous spirit of Eidul Fitr approaches, the air is filled with the scent of celebration. Yet, for working women and hostel-residing students in Punjab's urban centres, the traditional concept of Eid shopping has transformed into a complex logistical challenge.

The pressures of modern life, tight schedules, professional commitments, and academic responsibilities, have shifted the bustle of markets onto smartphone screens. But this digital convenience, at times, proves to be a mirage, complicating rather than easing the festive preparations.

Javeria, a CA student from Gujranwala who also works at a private firm, encapsulates this dilemma. "Between exam stress and long office hours, visiting the markets has become almost impossible," she explains.

"I tried online shopping, but major brand websites, though reliable in quality, are often beyond a student's budget. Local budget-friendly brands, on the other hand, lack consistency, leaving you vulnerable to substandard products at every step."

Pakistani media professional Fakhra Khalil Rajput shares a similar perspective.

She noted, "The apparent ease of online shopping often doubles as trouble. Clothes ordered from local websites frequently arrive with sizing issues or styling differences that force a working woman to make extra trips to tailors. I've realised that shopping in physical stores is better—it allows you to inspect quality and select items within your budget, something impossible with packaged online orders."

Arshma Azeem, an administrative officer from Garhi Shahu, adds, "Everything is available with a click, but the hidden traps make it risky. Local brands often use celebrities' images on social media to project authenticity, yet the products are often poor-quality replicas. Many customers face fraud through advance payments, delayed deliveries, or receiving entirely wrong parcels. This has become a recurring problem during Eid."

Pakistan offers legal protection under the Punjab Consumer Protection Act 2005, granting consumers the right to accurate information and quality goods. Section 17 allows complaints to be filed in consumer courts, while Section 33 empowers courts to mandate refunds, compensation for mental distress, and heavy fines on companies.

Online fraud falls under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. Section 13 covers electronic fraud, punishable by up to seven years in prison, while Section 14 addresses forgery with a three-year maximum sentence.

The FIA's Cybercrime Wing handles enforcement, ensuring perpetrators of digital scams face action.

Advocate Muhammad Samia Basra emphasises, "Consumer courts act swiftly to resolve complaints, but it's time to upgrade them to meet modern technological demands. With online shopping on the rise, the FIA's role has become crucial. Consumers should keep receipts, screenshots, and chat records to facilitate legal action."

Eid celebrations can only be fully enjoyed when transparency and integrity govern the shopping experience. Women like Javeria, Fakhra, and Arshma, who save and work hard to prepare for the festival, deserve a system that delivers quality instead of deception. Until Pakistan enforces strict compliance with consumer protection laws and policies like "Open Parcel," shoppers must remain vigilant, preferring registered websites and cash-on-delivery to navigate the digital mirage safely.