Pakistan Customs destroys Rs31.5 million pirated goods in Karachi

IPRE destroys seized counterfeit and pirated products after engagement with OICCI to strengthen intellectual property rights enforcement.

Pakistan Customs has destroyed counterfeit and pirated products worth approximately Rs31.5 million in Karachi as part of intensified efforts to curb intellectual property rights violations and protect consumers and legitimate businesses.

The destruction was conducted by the Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement (IPRE) at Gadap, Malir, under the supervision of Muneeza Majeed, Director IPRE South. Pakistan Customs officials, along with representatives of rights holders and international brands, attended the activity to ensure transparency in the disposal process.

The seized items included a wide range of counterfeit products, such as handbags, wallets, watches, footwear, apparel, cosmetics, personal-care items and industrial goods. The destroyed material also contained pirated copies of textbooks published by Oxford University Press.

Muneeza Majeed said counterfeit and pirated products create serious challenges for consumers, genuine businesses and intellectual property owners while also affecting the wider economy. She particularly highlighted the potential public safety risks associated with counterfeit cosmetics and industrial products.

The action came shortly after an interactive session organised by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) on September 28, 2026. The Pakistan Customs IPRE delegation was led by Director General IPRE Abdul Qadir Memon.

During the meeting, OICCI members raised concerns over counterfeit imports, misdeclaration and undervaluation of goods. Participants also called for improved coordination between relevant stakeholders, greater information sharing, specialised counterfeit-detection training and an effective intellectual property rights enforcement contact point in Karachi.

Pakistan Customs officials explained IPRE’s responsibilities in border enforcement and briefed participants about the legal and procedural mechanisms available to intellectual property rights holders. The discussion also covered complaint submission, examination of suspected consignments and enforcement procedures.

Representatives of international rights holders and OICCI member companies discussed challenges faced in protecting their brands and expressed willingness to continue working with Customs authorities.

The latest destruction reflects Pakistan Customs’ ongoing efforts to prevent the circulation of counterfeit and pirated goods. The authority has reiterated its focus on stronger intellectual property enforcement, consumer protection and cooperation with rights holders to address violations.