MULTAN, May 28, 2025: An interactive session on protection of IP rights for agriculture sector was held at MNS Agriculture University, Multan on 28 May, 2025 by the Chairman IPO-Pakistan with the representatives of Agri-business representatives and progressive farmers from Multan region. 

The Agri-tech companies were represented by Choudhry Shoukat Islam (Four Seasons), Mr. Ejaz Awan and Mr. Naveed Ahmad (Hamqadam Agri services), Shehzad Wahid (Fine Crops), Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman (Nova Star), Farrukh Faraz (A.H. Crops) and Jam Ashiq Ali (Everest Agri-tech). Chairman IPO was assisted by Mr. Muhammad Ismail, Director (GRTKF).

Chairman IPO highlighted the importance of the IP in general and protection of Geographical Indications and Genetic Resources in particular. He presented examples of wise use of genetic resources and GIs by different countries for their own national economic benefit. Pakistan, he stressed could not afford to be left behind. During the interactive session with the participants, he said that the adoption of the international Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge (GRATK) by WIPO marked a significant step forward for developing countries in establishing tools that can contribute to prevent or remedy the misappropriation of GRs and associated TK. 

Choudhry Shoukat Islam informed the Chairman IPO-Pakistan in detail about the challenges being faced by the agriculture related business entities with regards to IP issues.

The Consultative Session afforded a detailed discussion with a lively Q&A session. The participants gave their valuable inputs. All the participants expressed support for the need for stronger IP enforcement and agreed that Pakistan should join the GRATK Treaty in the best national interest.

Source: https://ipo.gov.pk//node/3107