KARACHI:
Due to the lack of effective patent and damages laws, Pakistani scientists refrain from conducting research work according to our local industrial needs. As a result, raw materials, none of which are produced here, are being imported for our pharmaceutical, chemical and agricultural industries. Our research is limited to the publication of articles which, apart from a few acknowledgements, does nothing to aid our economic condition. In such a situation if we want to create a knowledge-based economy, our emphasis should turn towards rigorous research and experimentation. There must be strict patent and damages laws, and universities should be instructed to produce tangible raw materials when conducting their research projects.
The pharmaceutical industry imports more than $8 billion worth of raw material annually. If we are able to manufacture even half of it locally, through research, we will surely witness a drastic change in our socio-economic condition. For this, the Prime Minister must direct the departments concerned to promulgate strict patent laws so that we can bring our country out of the clutches of poverty through internal development.
Muhammad Hassan
Peshawar
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2021.
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