Govt Starts Process to Approve Genetically Modified Corn

The federal government has formally begun reviewing Pakistan’s policy on the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) corn, with a high-level committee holding its first meeting to assess the scientific, economic and regulatory implications of allowing the crop for commercial cultivation.

The committee, constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has been tasked with conducting an evidence-based review of the country’s GM maize policy before making recommendations to the government.

During the meeting, officials from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research briefed members on Pakistan’s National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, international regulatory practices, biosafety assessments and the policy’s development process. The committee also reviewed global experiences with GM maize, including how countries manage the coexistence of genetically modified and conventional crops.

Participants discussed the potential impact of commercializing GM corn on agricultural productivity, climate resilience, food security, farmer incomes and industrial competitiveness. The meeting also examined the possible effects on Pakistan’s poultry, livestock and manufacturing sectors, along with export opportunities, certification requirements and access to markets that prefer non GM agricultural products.

Representatives from government institutions, regulatory authorities, the private sector, exporters and scientific experts presented their views on the potential benefits, implementation challenges, regulatory preparedness and international market requirements associated with GM corn.

Addressing the meeting, Aurangzeb said the committee’s recommendations would be based on scientific evidence, objective analysis and Pakistan’s long term national interest. He added that improving agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and increasing farmer incomes remain key priorities, while implementation capacity, environmental safeguards, regulatory readiness and market access considerations would be central to the policy review.

The committee was established after the government decided to undertake a fresh review of its biotechnology policy amid growing debate over the role of genetically modified crops in improving agricultural productivity and reducing climate related risks. Its recommendations are expected to help shape Pakistan’s future policy on the commercial cultivation of GM maize.