To control the manufacture, smuggling and export of pirated CDs, DVDs, CDRs and CD-ROMs, the government has decided to set up special cells at the collectorates of customs on the pattern of 'drug enforcement cells' to apprehend people involved in such activity.
Sources told Business Recorder here on Saturday that the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) had received persistent reports that there was significant increase in the optical media piracy by manufacturers of CDs, DVDs, CD-Rs and CD-ROMs in the country. Preliminary estimates indicated that the bulk of pirated optical media ultimately heads for other countries.
This not only damages the foreign market but also undermines the government's efforts to attract foreign investment.
Sources said they apprehended that if the government was unable to demonstrate visible progress in enforcing intellectual property rights, Pakistan's image might be damaged at global level.
Keeping in view the dire need of enforcement measures, sources said that the CBR is actively pursuing its custom officials in the field to check the flow of these counterfeit goods at the exit and entry points.
The CBR has devised a comprehensive strategy for the collectors to check the movement of pirated goods.
Under the plan, strict preventive measures would be taken to check import/export of counterfeit goods, including pirated products of optical media. For this purpose, special cells in the collectorates would be assigned extra function of enforcement.
The chances of collusion and connivance of enforcement staff with smugglers should be eliminated through monitoring like Close Circuit Television (CCTV) network.
The collectors would strengthen the information network around the unscrupulous elements indulging in smuggling and the info would be shared with the enforcement staff at other places.
After seizure of pirated goods, the collectors would vigorously pursue at all forums including adjudication, tribunal, superior courts, and use adequate deterrence to fight this menace.
The staff posted at all entry/exit points will be briefed on the issue of Intellectual Property Rights. Regular training would be scheduled to apprise the enforcement staff of these issues, especially piracy of optical media.