Reforming Pakistan’s E-Commerce Legal Framework: A Critical Analysis of Digital Contracts, Consumer Protection and Platform Liability with Comparative Insights from UK Law

Abstract

The rapid expansion of e-commerce in Pakistan has transformed commercial relationships but has exposed significant weaknesses within the existing legal framework. This article critically examines whether Pakistan’s current regulatory structure adequately governs digital contracts, consumer protection and platform liability. It argues that while the Electronic Transactions Ordinance 2002 successfully recognises electronic transactions, remains primarily focused on the legal validity of electronic transactions and fails to address emerging challenges relating to unfair digital terms, intermediary responsibility and consumer remedies. Through comparative analysis with UK law, particularly the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, the article demonstrates how a fairness-based regulatory approach can strengthen digital commerce governance. It argues that Pakistan requires a unified e-commerce framework incorporating digital contract regulation, platform accountability, transparent consumer practices and effective online dispute resolution mechanisms to ensure sustainable and trustworthy digital market development.