Microsoft joins hands with FIA against IPR Infringement

Microsoft Pakistan and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) jointly conducted a training session to increase awareness of copyright infringement cases amongst FIA officials. The session was aimed at identification of different forms of copyright infringement, detection of counterfeit software, and investigation of software evidence to prosecute culprits in the court.

Mr Kamal Ahmed, Country Manager Microsoft Pakistan shed light on Microsoft’s commitment to deploy measures to safeguard interests of the consumers and said: "The ability of the government and IT eco-system to create new jobs and a better quality of life through information technology is strongly affected by how they handle piracy. Pakistan needs to demonstrate its unwavering resolve to combat piracy on an urgent basis in order to improve its competitiveness in the IT industry. A legal environment that protects intellectual property rights (IPR) and takes a robust approach to software counterfeit trade is essential."


Microsoft and FIA have realised the need to ensure a proactive counter-strategy to protect the interests of unsuspecting Pakistani consumers who end up paying original price for pirated software. In the year 2008, Economist Intelligence Unit sponsored by the Business Software Alliance downgraded IT Competitiveness of Pakistan to 62nd. Additionally, an alarmingly high rate of software piracy which stands at 84 per cent negatively impact Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Software Industry and R&D within the economy.

Training program, delivered by experts from Microsoft, was attended by representatives of all branches of FIA including Crime Circle wing, Cybercrime wing etc. Dale Waterman, Corporate Attorney, Antipiracy Microsoft, Middle East & Africa presided the session and said: "The commitment of FIA in countering software piracy sends a very clear message to counterfeiters that Pakistani government is serious about stopping this form of criminality and are willing to step forward to protect their citizens from the harm caused by pirated as well as counterfeit software. Currently, about eight out of 10 softwares being run on PCs are pirated; this is resulting in huge losses not only to legitimate businesses but also to the national exchequer in terms of lost taxes & duties. FIA has a leading role to play in addressing this situation and Microsoft is keen for working with FIA to support them in delivering this commitment."

Mir Zubair Mahmood, Director FIA Sindh, informed the participants of recent initiatives of FIA in countering crimes of piracy and counterfeit. He commented: "FIA is a national agency aimed at protecting consumer rights. FIA liaises with Local Law Enforcement Agencies to curb the growing threat of piracy within the country and educate end-user consumers and business customers on the risks of software piracy and how it is harmful to their interests. In an environment which is highly prone to counterfeit or pirated software, the local software companies are unable to compete on a level playing field. This lack of opportunity prevents them from competing in the international arena and attracting the much required investments in our country".

Microsoft Pakistan aims to collaborate closely with the government, businesses and media to highlight the current challenges faced in combating the IPR violation in the country and devise and implement strategies through which IT competitiveness of Pakistan can be enhanced.