The concerned agencies of the government should make concerted efforts to root out growing counterfeiting as it is not only blocking innovations but also badly affecting economy of the country, said Minister for National Regulations and Services Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, here on Friday.
Dr Firdous was addressing the participants of a public awareness walk organised by the Anti-counterfeit and Infringement Forum (ACIF) to create awareness about the ill effects of the infringement of intellectual property laws on the society organised on World Anti Counterfeiting Day 2012. She said to protect consumers, the consumer courts should play their due role. She also asked consumers to avoid purchasing fake and substandard products. "To curb counterfeiting there is dire need to ensure effective accountability, availability and affordability of products to consumers," she said.
Awan said counterfeiting has deprived the government of much needed taxes and duties. "The government will provide all-out support to organisations struggling to curb counterfeiting in the country," she added. Intellectual Property Organisations Pakistan Chairman Hameedullah Jan Afridi said due to growing counterfeiting the name of Pakistan has been placed at the Priority Watch List of nine countries which are liable for economic sanctions. Pakistan is making hectic efforts not to be on the list to boost foreign businesses, trade and investment, he said.
He said to curb counterfeiting the government is struggling hard to amend present laws. "To curb counterfeiting dedicated cells have been set up in the country as well as in the law enforcement agencies including police department and Federal Investigation Agency," he added.
He said violation of IP rights not only adversely affects creativity and innovation, it also deprives the creative minds, writers and artists of their rightful royalties. Such practices also threaten the health and safety of the innocent consumers, who were not only cheated through the sale of substandard and spurious products but are also exposed to serious health risk due to fake medicines, food and cosmetic products, he said.
Chairman Events Committee ACIF Amar Naseer said the menace of counterfeiting is flourishing because either the law enforcement officials did not have adequate knowledge to distinguish between the fake and genuine products, or the enforcement machinery was indifferent and ineffective. The participants of the walk were holding placards and banners inscribed with slogans "Say no to counterfeiting," "Only original," "Do not pay for the fake, pay for original." Heavy contingent of security was deployed to avoid any untoward situation.
ACIF is a non-profit alliance of reputed business organisations committed to eradicating the menace of counterfeiting, infringement and piracy of intellectual property rights IPRs. It seeks to create awareness on these issues and strives to protect the consumer rights by supporting government efforts and actions for strengthening the IP regime in the country.
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