19 February 2004	Thursday	27 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Feb 18: The Central Board of Revenue has launched a campaign against all types of violations of intellectual property rights (IPRs) to eliminate the menace which is believed to be serving as disincentive for foreign investment in the country.

A senior official at the CBR told Dawn on Wednesday that instructions had been issued to all collectorates for strict implementation of the plan at exit and entry points to check the flow of counterfeit and smuggled goods.

The drug enforcement cells at each collectorate would be given extra responsibility to monitor the flow of counterfeit products and take necessary action in this regard.

He said that field formations would enforce the law strictly through raids, seizures and also take necessary legal action against commercial establishments involved in sales of such illegal products.

The CBR would also depute special personnel at various exit points such as airports and seaports in order to strictly prevent the smuggling of pirated CDs by seizing them and initiating legal proceedings against the offenders.

The campaign was being launched to curb this illegal practice, which was not only damaging the image of the country, but was also serving as a disincentive for the foreign investment.