MULTAN, May 11: Expressing concern over ineffective implementation of Intellectual Property Rights, speakers at a seminar on Friday were unanimous that the country’s economy was suffering a setback from counterfeiting and piracy.

Huge financial losses to the national exchequer were going unaccounted, they observed, emphasising that the media should play its role as an effective instrument in creating awareness among the consumers and persuading the authorities to take stock of the situation.

The workshop titled “Role of Media in Projecting Legal Business Practices & Intellectual property Rights in Pakistan” was organised by Unilever Pakistan and the Anti-Counterfeit & Infringement Forum, according to a press release.

Prominent among the speakers was Punjab Sports Minister Mueenuddin Riaz, who highlighted the state of enforcement of IP laws and violation of consumer rights in the country. They also called for widening the scope of public awareness about the IP laws and their continued violations.

The minister said the government was committed to curbing illegitimate business practices in the province and had constituted a number of teams in all major cities to crack down on those involved in producing counterfeit and fake products.