A shocking online shopping incident involving renowned fashion brand Maria.B has sparked outrage after a Karachi customer allegedly received a five-kilogram flour sack instead of his Rs55,000 designer clothing order. The unusual delivery mishap has now reached the consumer court, raising serious questions about e-commerce accountability in Pakistan.
Court Issues Notices to Maria.B and Courier Company
The Consumer Court East has officially issued notices to Maria.B and courier service PostEx (Pvt) Ltd, summoning both parties to respond to claims of negligence and unfair trade practices. The court has directed the defendants to appear on January 31, following a preliminary review of the complaint.
What the Complaint Claims
According to court records, the complaint was filed by Muhammad Usman Malik, who stated that he placed an online order worth Rs55,864 through Maria.B’s official website on December 1, 2025. Shortly afterward, he received delivery confirmation from the courier, including rider details and a tracking number.
However, the situation took a bizarre turn when the parcel was opened.
Flour Sack Instead of Designer Wear
Instead of the luxury garments he had paid for, Malik allegedly found a bag of flour inside the sealed package. The unexpected discovery left him shocked, as the order was both high-value and prepaid. He described the incident as financially damaging and emotionally distressing.
Customer Support Response Raises Concerns
Following the incident, Malik contacted Maria.B’s customer support via email. He claims the response was delayed and unsatisfactory. Screenshots of the email exchanges were later submitted to the court as supporting evidence.
With no resolution, Malik sent a formal legal notice to both the brand and the courier company through his lawyer.
Refund Controversy and Legal Demand
While the brand initially assured Malik that a refund would be issued, he alleges that the offer later changed to a voucher or discount coupon instead of returning the actual amount paid. Malik has termed this move a delaying tactic, arguing that a coupon cannot replace a cash refund for an undelivered order.
In his petition, he has demanded:
- Full refund of Rs55,864
- 25% interest on the amount
- Rs200,000 compensation for mental stress, inconvenience, and emotional distress
Case Sparks Online Debate
After reviewing the case, the consumer court found sufficient grounds to proceed and summoned both parties. The incident has since gone viral on social media, reigniting debates around online shopping safety, courier handling, and consumer rights in Pakistan.
As e-commerce continues to expand, this case may prove to be a landmark moment for digital consumer protection. All eyes are now on the January 31 hearing, which could set a precedent for future complaints.