ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said the government was taking steps to overcome power shortages with the same determination with which it achieved self- sufficiency in wheat production.
Addressing National Conference on Intellectual Property Rights here, the Prime Minister said that 2,000 megawatts to the national power grid would be added this year, which would be equal to the electricity added last year.
He said the government was focusing on short, medium and long term measures to fulfill energy crisis.
He said he would soon lay foundation stone of Diamer Bhasha Dam and Thar Coal Project as part of efforts to rid the country of electricity shortages.
The government raised the support price of wheat to Rs 950 per 40 kg for farmers, he said adding despite the floods last year, Pakistan produced surplus wheat and now it is able to export.
Gilani said the problems would not have persisted if the previous government had taken steps during its nine years.
Due to the government policies, foreign exchange reserves have risen to $ 17.5 billion, foreign remittances have increased to $ 11 billion and Karachi Stock Exchange index has crossed 12000 points, he noted.
No party can overcome challenges of the country single handedly, he remarked. He said the political leadership of the country should work together to resolve issues.
He assured that the government had made progress in bringing BT cotton to the country to increase per acre yield.
During visits to China and Uzbekistan, Pakistani leadership held talks on introducing new agriculture varieties in Pakistan, he added.
Gilani said the government would implement the recommendations of the conference on protecting and promoting intellectual property rights.
The Prime Minister said the government being fully cognizant of the interests of creators, business community, consumers and its national and international commitments, established Intellectual Property Organization as an integrated IP management body.
"It is heartening to note that performance and achievements of IPO-Pakistan during its short span of existence is highly commendable in protection of IP rights and enforcement coordination to wage a war against unfair trade practices," he added.
"We cannot acquire new technologies and innovations and attract foreign direct investment in the country unless we assure fair business practices," he observed.
The Prime Minister said, "in order to achieve these goals and objectives, we need to explore new avenues for disseminating clear and accurate information to the public."
He expressed confidence that IPO-Pakistan would continue its commitment to wage a crusade against piracy and infringement of IP rights in the national interest with the cooperation of media, stakeholders, business community, intelligentsia, and enforcement agencies.
Supreme Court Judge Mr Justice Shakirullah Jan, Chairman IPO- Pakistan Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi, former governor State Bank Dr Ishrat Hussain and Chief Executive Officer Pakistani Tobacco Company Nicholas Stewart Hales in their speeches shed light on various aspects of intellectual property rights.
Justice Shakirullah Jan said the courts have pronounced decisions to protects rights of investors, inventors and consumers.
He underlined the need for creating more public awareness and training of judicial officers for effective enforcement of laws on intellectual property.
CEO Pakistan Tobacco Company Nicholas Stewart underscored the importance of establishing a credible enforcement regime for protecting branded products and increasing government revenue.
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