Lately we noticed that an unofficial Xiaomi Store (xiaomipk.com) was operating in Pakistan through a website — that looks almost like a replica of Xiaomi.com — and a Facebook Page with some following.
While we checked with the e-store and found that it was not the official outlet of Xiaomi and apparently someone was running it privately with some sort of connections with Mi International. Not to mention, the website has links to Xiaomi’s official website and that it was offering international warranty of the phones as well.
We also received confirmations from our readers receiving Xiaomi phones at almost official prices from the website in question.
Now, however, the website has been barred by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to sell Xiaomi Phones.
Website has in-fact posted a message for customers telling them that PTA has asked them not to sell Xiaomi phones.
The website says:
We have stopped smartphone sales in Pakistan until further notice.
The Pakistani Concerned authority (PTA) through Mr Nauman Khalid “naumankhalid@pta.gov.pk” has demanded that XiaomiPK.com has to stop the sale/marketing of all Mi mobile devices.
This moment calls for public discussion, and we want our customers and people around the country to understand the monopoly of some brands in market.
So far no reason has been has been mentioned as to why XiaomiPK was asked to stop the sale. Website goes on to mention:
We have great respect for the authorities at the PTA, and we believe their intentions are good. But it is quite surprising that Pakistani customer’s right has been denied without any reason.
If they have any legitimate concern we are ready to address it but so far we haven’t got any rational reason.
Through sources we know that some vendors/distributors had applied to get NOC and type approvals from PTA for sale of Xiaomi smartphones in Pakistan, which was not entertained, reportedly because Xiaomi doesn’t operate in Pakistan through a physical office. And also that Xiaomi doesn’t want to register itself in Pakistan.
XiaomiPK, without the NOC, started selling Xiaomi smartphones in Pakistan on July 11th 2016, providing Mi smartphones, power banks and accessories at almost company prices with after-sale services and international warranty.
We couldn’t get any word from PTA on this, but as per the law any company willing to import and sell smartphones in Pakistan must register its business here in Pakistan and then apply for NOC and Type Approvals before selling the smartphones.
Moreover registered companies, that are liable to get NOC and types approvals, are also required to provide warranty and after sales services to consumers in Pakistan.
It would be interesting to note here that Xiaomi doesn’t have any plans to officially launch in Pakistan until 2018.
