OICCI hosted an interactive session on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) with Mr. Riffat Mukhtar Raja, PSP, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency, Pakistan - FIA, who was welcomed by OICCI President and President & CEO Faysal Bank Limited Yousaf Hussain, and Secretary General M Abdul Aleem on Friday, June 27, 2025.
The session opened with a brief introduction to OICCI by President Yousaf Hussain, followed by M Abdul Aleem outlining key IPR-related challenges and recommendations from OICCI to the DG FIA. These included the addition of IPR offences to the FIA Act, improved resolution timelines for cybercrime inquiries, the appointment of a dedicated FIA focal person for OICCI matters, and the need for structured and regular engagement between FIA and OICCI.
Representatives from member companies across the FMCG, Pharmaceutical Company, telecom, and banking sectors shared their concerns regarding counterfeiting, weak implementation, and inconsistent coordination between IPO and FIA. It was highlighted that while legal frameworks exist, implementation remains a critical issue impacting both local and multinational businesses. The need for stronger deterrents, better investigative procedures, and a coordinated mechanism for handling IPR-related complaints was emphasized.
In response, DG FIA acknowledged the feedback and expressed a strong commitment to addressing these concerns through possible legislative amendments, including involving the law enforcement agencies for implementation and improved collaboration with OICCI through assigning a focal person and initiating a working group. He encouraged OICCI to submit draft recommendations and suggested that support from the law ministry could facilitate necessary reforms. President Yousaf Hussain suggested these ideas be drafted sector wise including short and midterm actions. A proposal to set up a control room or central communication channel for OICCI member companies was also discussed to streamline coordination.
The session concluded with a Q&A and DG FIA reaffirmed their readiness to work with OICCI to bring about the required changes. President Yousaf Hussain appreciated the open dialogue and assured OICCI’s continued collaboration with FIA in enhancing IPR enforcement and supporting a secure business environment.
