Key Takeaways
- Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the first meeting of a committee to review Pakistan’s policy on commercializing genetically modified (GM) maize.
- The committee will examine scientific, economic and policy evidence before making recommendations.
- Officials from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research briefed participants on the national agricultural biotechnology policy.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the first meeting of a committee tasked with reviewing Pakistan’s policy on the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) maize. The meeting, held on Thursday, aimed to conduct a science-based review of the policy before making recommendations.
Aurangzeb emphasized that the committee should base its deliberations on facts, balanced analysis and scientific evidence while considering the views of all relevant stakeholders. He stressed the importance of policy consistency but highlighted the need for an independent assessment of available evidence.
Officials from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research provided participants with a detailed briefing on the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, its development process, international regulatory practices, biosafety assessments and the committee’s terms of reference. The policy had undergone extensive consultations with stakeholders before approval.
The meeting reviewed international experience with GM maize, including regulatory frameworks, biosafety measures and coexistence mechanisms used in countries where GM and non-GM crops are cultivated simultaneously. Discussions also covered potential gains in agricultural productivity, climate resilience, farmer welfare, food security, industrial competitiveness and advances in agricultural biotechnology.
Members of the committee examined the possible economic impact of commercializing GM maize, focusing on domestic demand, the needs of Pakistan’s poultry, livestock and industrial sectors, export opportunities and the requirements of non-GM export markets. They also discussed certification systems, supply chain management and measures to support the coexistence of GM and non-GM production where appropriate.
Representatives from government institutions, regulatory bodies, the private sector, exporters and industry shared their views on the potential benefits, implementation challenges, regulatory preparedness and international market requirements linked to GM maize commercialization. The finance minister stressed that while policy consistency remained important, the committee had been formed to independently assess available evidence and consider all viewpoints before submitting its recommendations.
Aurangzeb highlighted agriculture’s central role in Pakistan’s economic transformation and sustainable growth, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policies and responsible adoption of modern technologies. He also underlined that implementation capacity, regulatory preparedness, environmental safeguards and market access should remain key elements of the policy framework.
