KARACHI, Dec 30: Speakers at a seminar described book piracy and plagiarism as 'immoral and illegal', and stressed on initiating coordinated efforts against the 'crime' to protect books, articles, software , films and all other intellectual properties in Pakistan.

They called for the promulgation of anti-plagiarism laws and effective implementation of the existing rules, urging the government to play its due role in safeguarding the interests of local and multinational firms in this sector.

The seminar, titled Let 2005 be the year against piracy and plagiarism - with strong government measures, was organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) at its Vicky Zeitlin Media Library here on Thursday.

Ms Ameena Syed, MD of the Oxford University Press (OUP), with special reference to piracy of books, pointed out that major and famous publishing houses invest millions in bringing out books, dictionaries, etc. and their efforts are spread over years but piracy washes out all the money and efforts.

She alleged that the Ministry of Education, National Book Foundation and even Ministry of Interior were promoting and encouraging book piracy. "When I approached interior minister to complain about the sale of pirated books, he maintained that the government's priority was checking explosions and terrorism which were major problems, and that I am wasting his time," she claimed.

Adviser to the Chief Minister Fatima Surraiyya Bajia said that piracy was an old phenomenon and even known poets in the early days of Urdu poetry copied work of other poets. "It has become an art these days, but still, it is a moral and legal crime."

Dr Altamash, Editor of an Internet-based magazine said that his organization had to deal with piracy and plagiarism on a daily basis as lifted articles were often sent for publication.

He said that major problem relating to piracy of books and software was the cost of original work or product whereas in the case of movies, the problem was black-marketing.

President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) Ms Jahan Ara told the seminar that pirated software was being used everywhere in Pakistan, be it a house, school, media organization or government department.

Film distributor and importer Rehmat Fazli said that film piracy had destroyed local cinema industry as leading cable-operators were involved in showing pirated movies, both of Hollywood- and Bollywood-origin.

He also accused the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) of doing nothing to curb piracy, and pointed out that pirates had formed their associations and were now dealing with authorities on equal terms.

The CEO of the Ayers Baxter Company, Inc. Mr Ayers Baxter observed that everyone opposed piracy, therefore, masses should exert pressure on governments for appropriate action against the 'piracy mafia'.

"Elimination of piracy would ultimately help attract foreign investment, give a boost to human resource development and create job opportunities," he said, adding that governments should also make people to respect local laws. -PPI