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Copyright laws implementation Video cassette dealers assure cooperation

KARACHI: The President of Karachi Electronics Dealers Assoiation (KEDA), Mohammad Irfan, Monday said that video cassette dealers would fully cooperate with the government towards the implementation of copyright laws but they be given at least three months' time to dispose of their existing stocks.

Addressing a news conference at Karachi Press Club, Irfan, however, complained that Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) have sealed the video cassette shops at the Rainbow Centre, Saddar, since "Chand Raat" and, thus, about 500 traders there have been deprived of their businesses for the last nine days.

He said no search warrants were shown nor there was anything in writing with the LEA, while taking such an action.

KEDA president declared that there was no smuggled goods in the Karachi electronics market nor any 'blue prints' were being sold at the Rainbow Market.

However, he said: "We cannot afford to purchase cassettes at the prices in USA, Britain and Japan etc and can only acquire the material at Pakistani prices."

Irfan said court would be moved and that a petition is being filed.

"We do not believe in strike and want that the problem be resolved through negotiations," he added.

On the occasion, the KEDA president also criticised the Pulse Global.

The chairman of the Rainbow Centre Dealers Association, Mohammad Salim Memon, maintained that action against the traders at Rainbow Centre is stated to have been initiated as part of drive against piracy.

He was of the view that the copyright laws are being implemented to 'please the European countries'. APP