KARACHI:
Technological innovation is crucial for a nation’s progress, yet Pakistan lags alarmingly behind. In 2023, China filed 69,610 patents, the United States 55,678, and Japan 48,879 globally. In stark contrast, Pakistan submitted just 5 patent applications. Even India, our neighbor, filed 3,791 patents during the same period. South Korea filed 22,288 patents, and smaller countries like Switzerland and Sweden managed 5,382 and 4,323 applications respectively. These figures highlight a critical innovation gap that demands immediate attention.
Pakistan’s young population is brimming with creative potential, but this talent remains underutilised due to a complex patent process and insufficient support. To close this gap, Pakistan must urgently simplify and digitise the patent filing process, reduce fees and increase public awareness of the benefits of intellectual property protection. Furthermore, significant investment in research and development is essential to fostering innovation and driving economic growth.
As Allama Iqbal wisely said, “A fresh world emerges from fresh ideas.” The concerned authorities must take decisive action to harness the intellectual power of its people and align our technological capabilities with global standards.
Dr Ali Azam
China
