GHULAM ABBAS
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador (R) Farukh Amil, Chair IPO-Pakistan, embarked on a two-day visit to Gilgit Baltistan to raise awareness about intellectual property issues, promote coordination with local authorities, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
On the first day, the Chair IPO-Pakistan met with Engineer Mohammed Anwar, Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, to discuss the significance of intellectual property protection for the region’s agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts. The Minister welcomed the Chairman and agreed on the need for close coordination between IPO-Pakistan and local authorities to protect and promote Gilgit Baltistan’s unique products.
The Chair also attended an Enforcement Coordination Committee meeting with law enforcement agencies and departments, including Mr. Hasnain Iqbal, AIG Establishment GB Police, Mian Aamir Iqbal, Deputy Director FIA, Syed Imtiaz Hussain AC Customs, Mr. Zartaj Deputy Director Food, Mr. Mahmood Asghar Director Agriculture, Mr. Imran Ali, and President GBCCI. The meeting focused on the key role of law enforcement agencies in promoting and protecting legitimate businesses and making Gilgit Baltistan an attractive investment destination.
Additionally, the Chairman met with Inspector General of Police, Gilgit Baltistan, Mr. Afzal Mehmood Butt, to discuss intellectual property enforcement and protection in the region. The IG Police assured the Chairman of his department’s full support in combating intellectual property infringements and promoting intellectual property awareness among law enforcement agencies.
On the second day, the Chairman visited agricultural sites in Hunza, including orchards, farms, and processing units, to gain insight into the region’s agricultural potential and intellectual property-related concerns. He interacted with agricultural associations, specialists, business owners, and political leaders, including Mr. Ghulam Mustafa, Director Agriculture Gilgit, Dr. Ijlal Hussain, Deputy Director, Hunza, Col (R) Ubaidullah, MLA, Hunza, Mr. Baqir, President, Agriculture Cooperative Society, Hunza, Mr. Ismail, Manager, Agriculture Cooperative Society, Hunza, and Ms. Arfa Karim, Agriculture Cooperative Society, Hunza.
The discussion focused on Geographical Indications and Genetic Resources of Gilgit Baltistan, and the importance of intellectual property protection for the region’s agri-economy and tourism industry. The stakeholders appreciated the visit and expressed their desire for greater interaction with IPO-Pakistan.
The visit marked a significant step in IPO-Pakistan’s efforts to promote intellectual property awareness and protection across the country. Ambassador (R) Farukh Amil reiterated IPO-Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Gilgit Baltistan’s economic development through intellectual property protection and promotion. The stakeholders agreed to collaborate with IPO-Pakistan to identify and protect Gilgit Baltistan’s unique products and services.
