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Geographical Indications and Sustainable Development: Bridging Policy Gaps in Pakistan’s GI Framework for Socio-Economic Growth

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  • Salman Shahzad

    (School of Law, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China)

  • Baomin Wang

    (School of Law, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China)

Abstract

Pakistan, a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse products, enacted the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act 2020 to comply with the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement, which defines GIs as signs linking products to their geographic origin based on unique qualities or reputation. This legal framework aims to protect local products, promote exports, and drive economic growth. To date, Pakistan has 10 registered and 65 notified GIs. This study critically examines Pakistan’s GI framework, highlighting gaps in legislation, enforcement, institutional capacity, and stakeholder awareness. It assesses Pakistan’s alignment with international standards (e.g., the EU model) and explores how GIs can foster sustainable rural development, cultural preservation, and economic growth. As a governance tool, GIs ensure equitable benefit-sharing, enhance market competitiveness, and promote eco-friendly traditional practices. The findings reveal that addressing policy weaknesses and strengthening institutional mechanisms could unlock the full socio-economic potential of GIs, contributing to sustainable industrialization and rural uplift. Aligning Pakistan’s GI framework with global best practices would not only protect indigenous products but also boost their international recognition, reduce poverty, and advance sustainable development goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Salman Shahzad & Baomin Wang, 2025. "Geographical Indications and Sustainable Development: Bridging Policy Gaps in Pakistan’s GI Framework for Socio-Economic Growth," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5114-:d:1670566
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Áron Török & Lili Jantyik & Zalán Márk Maró & Hazel V. J. Moir, 2020. "Understanding the Real-World Impact of Geographical Indications: A Critical Review of the Empirical Economic Literature," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-24, November.
    2. Lingling Li & Yingzi Chen & Haoran Gao & Changjian Li, 2023. "How to Regulate the Infringements of Geographical Indications of Agricultural Products—An Empirical Study on Judicial Documents in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-31, March.
    3. Emilie Vandecandelaere & Luis Fernando Samper & Andrés Rey & Ana Daza & Pablo Mejía & Florence Tartanac & Massimo Vittori, 2021. "The Geographical Indication Pathway to Sustainability: A Framework to Assess and Monitor the Contributions of Geographical Indications to Sustainability through a Participatory Process," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-20, July.
    4. Yongzhong Yang & Mohsin Shafi & Xiaoting Song & Ruo Yang, 2018. "Preservation of Cultural Heritage Embodied in Traditional Crafts in the Developing Countries. A Case Study of Pakistani Handicraft Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-18, April.
    5. De Filippis, Fabrizio & Giua, Mara & Salvatici, Luca & Vaquero-Piñeiro, Cristina, 2022. "The international trade impacts of Geographical Indications: Hype or hope?," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
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