The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, led by Senator Anusha Rahman, held its second day of hearings on Thursday, grilling the Ministry of Commerce and its affiliated bodies on their operations and performance.
A key area of focus was the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO). While acknowledging Pakistan’s improved global IP ranking, the committee raised concerns about the lengthy registration process, which currently takes 18-24 months. Senator Rahman also questioned data protection measures for e-filing of patents, copyrights, and designs.
The committee suggested exploring online payment platforms like Pay Zen for efficient financial transactions within the IPO, instead of relying on memorandums of understanding (MoUs). Additionally, they urged the IPO to address its staffing issues, with over 136 vacant positions hindering efficiency. The committee demanded these positions be filled within three months.
Discussions also centered on promoting exports, particularly in pharmaceuticals and by women entrepreneurs. The committee received briefings from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Director General of Trade Organizations (DGTO). They requested details on companies participating in international exhibitions and emphasized transparency in recruitment practices at the Export Development Fund (EDF).
The committee further questioned the prolonged absence of a CEO at the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC). Additionally, they addressed concerns regarding the National Tariff Commission’s (NTC) recommendations being disregarded by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman. The committee suggested formalizing the national tariff policy through legal means and exploring consultations with legal experts.
