A delegation from the Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO-P), led by Chairman Farukh Amil and comprising Controller of Patents & Registrar of Designs, Dr.M.Fayyaz Ahmad; Registrar Trademarks, Mr. Muhammad Rafiq; Registrar Copyright, Syed Nasrullah; Senior Examiner of Patents/Designs, Zubia Hassan; Senior Examiner of Patents/Designs, Tafseer Fatima; and Senior Examiner of Patents/Designs, Saima Kanwal LL.M visited the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) for a meeting with senior leadership from the pharmaceutical sector’s Innovative Group.

The delegation was welcomed by OICCI Secretary General M Abdul Aleem and Executive Director Kashif Shafi.

The meeting was attended by IPR Subcommittee Chairperson and Managing Director Roche Pakistan, Hafsa Shamsie; Vice President & General Manager Pakistan GSK, Erum Shakir Rahim (virtual); Managing Director and CEO Abbott Pakistan, Anis Ahmed (virtual); Country President and CEO Novartis Pharma (Pakistan) Ltd, Arif Tahir; and Country Commercial Lead Pharmaceutical Pakistan – Country Group Bayer, Khurram Mirza.

Discussions focused on strengthening the innovation ecosystem, with participants highlighting the importance of a predictable and supportive environment for research-driven pharmaceutical companies. The group deliberated on existing patent laws, emphasizing the need for clearer enforcement mechanisms to safeguard innovators, alongside the critical role of patent linkage and enhanced collaboration between IPO-P and DRAP in ensuring regulatory decisions remain aligned with IP protections.

Another key point of discussion was the importance of strong intellectual property protection as a prerequisite for attracting sustained foreign investment into Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector. Participants also stressed the need for greater public awareness at the grassroots level, particularly on how unethical and damaging idea theft is, not only for companies but also for the broader economy and society. They agreed that improving awareness and respect for innovation is essential for Pakistan’s long-term progress in the healthcare and life sciences space.