Yes, he had sold me smuggled tyres! Everyone, beware of this seller, if in need of genuine import tyres.
@dms664 Brother before making my final decision that I would buy tyres from him, I contacted him telephonic and confirmed a few things. He seemed honest, and then, when his details were also mentioned on the official Bridgestone website for Pakistan, I got satisfied.
Finally, when I visited him to buy tyres, I again reiterated that I need proper, genuine import tyres with warranty. In 185/65/R15 tyre size, he had Ecopia series only, and price quoted was Rs. 8500 / tyre. I got sceptical that it seems very less when compared to the market, but then, I thought that since he is whole-seller (so have more profit margins), and above all, authorised dealer, so chances are not there.
Since it was the last day before Ramadan, and I had already spent too much time and energy in tyres, etc. I did not check them, and just loaded them in my car.
My first mistake: I must have thoroughly checked all of them, before getting them loaded in my car. May take 05-10 minutes more, but worth spending! Just invoice / receipt is not enough and guarantee that product is 100% authentic!
Secondly, when I had just left, a thought came in my mind that he had just handed me the invoice; no warranty card with date and stamp, etc. I called him, and enquired regarding it. He said no problem, if the tyre ever develops any abnormality, it can be brought here, and replaced. Shakk to hua, but again, it let it go, thinking that he is authorised dealer, and that was my another mistake.
My 2nd mistake: I must had gone back, and asked for the warranty cards, etc.
When I had reached the shop, only then it came evident, after unwrapping of tyres, that they were smuggled. First, packing was not like that of genuine, import tyres. No Prtc / Bridgestone / company hologram stickers were affixed on the wrapping. Thirdly, and most importantly, the bead bundle (the ring which gets fitted on the rims) were bent! In case of proper import tyres, it never happens.
Although, the tyres never gave any issues, but Dill kharab ho gya; because I had wanted genuine, import tyres, with warranty, and was willing to pay accordingly. Ye acha hua, that he charged for the smuggled tyres, price of smuggled tyres. Zyada dukh tub hota agar wo tyre to smuggled hi daitay, but charge genuine, original import k kartay.
Long things cut short; I tried to raise this issue multiple times with Prtc, Bridgestone Pakistan, and complain regarding their dealer, but of no avail. End per wo malba meray hi p da'al rahay they, k aap janein ya dealer. Local partners / local companies operating locally, give zero care regarding customer care and satisfaction.
Lesson learnt and suggestion for all: Always thoroughly check everything (tyre, rim, etc.) before final payment and buying!
(Although quite late, and I am hopeful that you had bought tyres long ago, but still, I felt that I should share the experience.)
