The Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan), under the dynamic leadership of its Chairperson, Mr. Farukh Amil, successfully organized the celebration of World Intellectual Property Day 2025 in Karachi, bringing together voices from the government, creative industries, academia, and international organizations.
The theme for this year, “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP,” highlighted the powerful role of intellectual property (IP) in supporting music, empowering artists, and promoting innovation in the creative economy.
The event opened with a live performance of the National Anthem by the talented NAPA team. Ms. Misbah Khalid, Festival Director, welcomed guests as host of the event.
Ambassador Farukh Amil, Chairperson of IPO-Pakistan, delivered the keynote welcome address, emphasizing the importance of IP protection in fostering creativity and economic growth. Underscoring, stressing and emphasizing the role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the Chairperson stressed, particularly to the youth, the importance of embracing and securing their IP Rights. Given these new technological challenges and opportunities he stressed know your music, know your film, know your IP Rights, its yours own it.
Co-host Mr. Ameed Riaz, founding member of COMP, also shared his insights.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Sharjeel Inam Memon, Senior Minister and Member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, appreciated the efforts of IPO-Pakistan and partners for promoting awareness about IP among youth and artists. The Guest of Honor, Ms. Sultana Siddique, Founder of HUM TV, highlighted the role of media in preserving and promoting original creative works.
Special video messages were shared from Ms. Sylvie Forbin, Deputy Director General of WIPO, and Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, reflecting global perspectives on copyright and the creative industries.
The event featured two thought-provoking panel discussions. The first, moderated by Ms. Mahwish Hussain, focused on the impact of technology and AI on IP rights in the music and creative industries. The second panel, moderated by Mr. Syed Nasrullah, explored how IP empowers youth and musicians to secure financial ownership of their creativity.
Distinguished panelists included academics, artists, music producers, and IP experts such as Dr. Kashif Laeeq, Mr. Jawwad Paracha, Mr. Faisal Jalal, Mr. Muhammad Ali Shehki, and Ms. Umnia J. Iftikhar.
The celebration was made vibrant with musical performances by the NAPA team and Mr. Saif Samejo and his band, reflecting the fusion of culture and IP. Shields and certificates were distributed to guests and contributors by IPO-Pakistan and HUM TV.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Taimour Aslam, COO of COMP, and official closing remarks by Mr. Syed Nasrullah, Registrar of Copyright, and encouraging continuous collaboration for the growth of Pakistan’s creative sectors.
Partners for the event included HUM Network, COMP, Karachi Film School, and others.
