The IIPA (International Intellectual Property
Alliance) has ranked Pakistan as one of the world's
largest producers of pirated CDs and other optical discs for export in both 2001
and 2002. According to the organisation, Pakistan piracy cost the industry
around 72 million USD in 2002 and 71 million USD the year
before:
 Now it
(IIPA) wants Pakistan placed on the priority watchlist and has urged
withdrawal of trade privileges on its exports to the United States if the
government fails to tackle the problem.
Pakistan says it has upgraded legislation
to comply with international agreements. The Commerce Ministry says it
plans to set up an Intellectual Property Rights Organisation to improve
enforcement.
"Raids are conducted against violators
and offenders are also being prosecuted," it said in a written response to
queries. "The illegal, offending material is being confiscated and in some
cases being publicly destroyed."
Despite this claim, pirated products
remain on open sale in virtually every market in the
country.
According to Microsoft country manager
Jawwad Rehman, more than 90 percent of the software and movies sold in
Pakistan are pirated.
Licensed Microsoft Office programs cost
22,500 rupees ($ 390), while the discounted rates are around 9,000 rupees
($ 155). The pirated program on three CDs costs as little as 75 rupees ($
1.30). |
The 12-story Rainbow Center in Saddar, the heart of
Karachi, is Pakistan's biggest center for pirated movies and software with more
than 200 shops. Read the complete article here.
Source: Reuters
