Registered publishers have alleged that police delayed registering a First Information Report (FIR) following a raid on a suspected fake book printing operation in Lahore’s Shafiqabad area. The claims have raised questions about the effectiveness of the ongoing crackdown against book piracy and counterfeit educational material.
According to the complainants, police conducted a raid in Khokhar Town, Gali No. 1, Milli Pura, after information was provided by registered publishers. During the operation, authorities reportedly recovered a large quantity of allegedly counterfeit books bearing the names of government and private institutions. Local residents and media personnel were also said to be present during the raid.
The publishers claim that three individuals were detained during the operation. They further alleged that the owner of the printing press, identified as Owais, escaped from the scene, while another individual, identified as Majid, was taken into custody but was later released. These claims have not been independently verified.
The complainants also alleged that officials at Shafiqabad Police Station attempted to encourage a settlement between the registered publishers and the accused rather than immediately pursuing legal action. They claim that despite submitting a formal application, an FIR was not promptly registered.
In addition, the publishers have accused the Station House Officer (SHO) of delaying legal proceedings and allegedly supporting the position of the accused. They have also alleged possible misconduct and bribery involving local police officials. These allegations remain unproven, and no official findings have been announced.
Police authorities have not yet issued a public statement responding to the allegations. It is therefore unclear why the FIR was reportedly delayed or whether an internal inquiry has been initiated into the matter.
The Shafiqabad Fake Books Raid has renewed concerns among publishers about copyright protection and enforcement against counterfeit printing. The allegations made by the complainants have not been independently verified, and the accused individuals, as well as the police officials named, should be considered innocent unless proven otherwise through due legal process.
