The Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb, has announced the preparation of the first-ever music policy to tackle piracy, copyrights, and other related issues. She revealed that the draft policy has been finalized, calling it “big news for the industry.”
The policy is expected to be presented to the federal cabinet for approval after Eidul Azha, following which the Ministry will implement it.
The new music policy aims to provide incentives and initiatives to boost the music industry and address concerns regarding ineffective copyright laws in Pakistan.
The minister expressed regret that no policy parameters for the music industry have been introduced since the 1970s, which has had negative consequences. However, she assured that the new policy would fully protect the rights of composers and musicians, combating intellectual property theft.
The draft policy has been developed in accordance with international standards, bringing the protection of artists’ rights in areas such as public performance, production, distribution, adaptation, duration, and mechanical and communication rights into a legal framework.
By addressing these issues, the policy aims to resolve problems faced by users and licensees. It also seeks to end the monopolization of the industry and safeguard the fundamental legal rights of artists, including copyrights.
The policy will provide legal protection for music producers, singers, writers, and lyricists while addressing long-standing industry issues related to sales and piracy. It will include special measures to preserve classical music and promote local, folk, and regional singers.
The minister emphasized that Pakistan’s musical heritage, which combines Sufi poetry with classical and modern music, will be preserved and promoted under the policy.
This development is a significant step towards protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring that artists receive royalties for their work. The issue of rightful and just royalties has been a long-standing concern for showbiz artists and musicians.
Earlier this year, a royalties bill was introduced in the Senate, aimed at empowering the copyright board to fix royalties for licensing and assignment work. The new music policy complements these efforts and reinforces the commitment to protecting artists’ rights and promoting a thriving music industry in Pakistan.