Scientists and Regulators Raise Red Flags Over GMO Maize in Pakistan

Scientists have raised red flags over plans to commercialize genetically modified maize in Pakistan, warning that the move could hurt exports, contaminate conventional crops, and increase reliance on imported seed technology.

The concerns were highlighted during a consultative meeting on GMO maize approval and documented in a working paper prepared from the minutes of the 45th meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee held on June 10 under the chairmanship of the Director General of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency.

Researchers, provincial representatives, and environmental regulators urged caution before allowing commercial cultivation of GMO maize. Dr. Nasir A. Saeed, Director of the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering and Vice Chairperson of the Technical Advisory Committee, recalled that licenses for GMO maize were suspended in 2019 because maize is a highly cross-pollinated crop, making it difficult to prevent gene flow and contamination of conventional maize varieties.

Dr. Saeed noted that Pakistan already produces maize yields exceeding 100 maunds per acre in some areas and said the need for introducing genetically modified maize should be carefully assessed.

Participants also cited concerns raised by local companies exporting maize and value-added maize products to Europe, where buyers generally prefer genetically modified-free products. They warned that the commercialization of GMO maize could jeopardize Pakistan’s access to these markets.

Dr. Saeed further noted that national security agencies had previously cautioned against dependence on imported genetically modified seed technology, saying disruptions in global supply chains could pose risks to domestic agricultural production.