Intellectual property is the biggest strength of an artist, moot told – Dawn

KARACHI: The National Academy of Performing Arts and law firm Ali and Associates organised an event on Thursday evening on Napa premises to mark World Intellectual Property Day.
The main item of the day was a panel discussion on IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP, where panellists said that music publishers, composers and songwriters must be aware of their intellectual property (IP) rights.
Moderated by Hanya Haroon, the participants of the discussion were Ahmed Zawar, associate director Pakistan Repertoire, Sony Music Entertainment; Kashan Admani, music producer and founder of Dream Station Productions; Babar Sheikh, filmmaker and musician; and Hamza Jafri, head of Napa’s music department.
In response to the question what IP meant to the panellists, Mr Zawar said it is the biggest strength of an artist, the strength that he has no idea about. A song is discussed a lot for its creativity, but the rights that entails are not.
Mr Admani said IP is the most integral part of any piece of art that you create. It gives you the power to exploit your creation in a way that you could benefit from it.
World Intellectual Property Day observed with panel discussion and musical performances at Napa; renowned singer Mohammed Ali Shyhaki paid tribute
Mr Sheikh said the idea for him is fragmented. While IP is about empowerment, its flip side is that in Pakistan it is synonymous with daka (robbery). He gave the example that one evening you’re discussing an idea with someone and four days later you see that idea being materialised on TV [by someone else]. He called it a spiritual violation.
Mr Jafri said it’s important to realise that your creativity is your property.
The panel then exchanged views on a variety of issues related to subjects like sampling and the role of AI in music etc.
The next speaker was Imran Shirvanee, former senior editor, IP News. He said those working in the music industry don’t know about their rights and duties. He added, in that regard two things are important. One, awareness; two, collective management society.
Next up was a tribute to renowned singer Mohammed Ali Shyhaki.
In his speech, the renowned vocalist went down memory lane when he ‘entered the scene’. He did not know about things such as royalty. In those days artists’ earning depended on private shows and appearing on TV worked for their publicity. However, he raised the question that while it’s good to talk about rights, are we producing quality music.
‘Music going through massive transformative challenges’
Earlier, Ali Kabir Shah, partner of the law firm Ali and Associates, in his eloquent opening address said the national anthem of Pakistan, which was played earlier, transported him to his school days. This, he remarked, was the power of music that it transports you to another place. He said music is going through massive transformative changes, such as legal and intellectual challenges that AI-generated tracks are posing.
“We’re playing catch-up. We are not setting the agenda,” he said.
Arsalan Pareyal, academic coordinator, department of music at Napa, was the second speaker. He first requested the audience to observe a minute’s silence for tabla player Ustad Bashir Ahmed Khan who passed away on Thursday. Then he talked about Napa. He said the academy is the beating heart of Pakistan’s performing arts.
After that musician Jon Saville played two jazz fusion pieces. The first one was called ‘longing’. It had a melancholic feel to it. It was performed with the kind of sensitivity required for it. The second track was an upbeat number which the audience enjoyed thoroughly.
In the end, Karimullah Adeni, managing partner Ali & Associates, delivered the vote of thanks. He said they’ve been celebrating the day since 2001.
A musical performance by Sounds of Kolachi was also on the programme list.
Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2025

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