Islamabad, The Ministry for National Food Security and Research in Pakistan has elaborated on its policies and regulatory framework regarding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), emphasizing the need for scientific evidence and stringent regulations to guide decisions in this area.
According to Press Information Department, the Ministry’s spokesperson explained that GMOs, which involve altering genetic material in ways not occurring naturally, are used for various purposes like enhancing crop resilience and nutritional content. The spokesperson noted that Pakistan has been a signatory to the UN-sponsored Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety since 2005, which governs the production, import/export, and release of biotech products under a set protocol. The Protocol’s implementation in Pakistan involves multiple ministries, including Climate Change, National Food Security and Research, and National Health Services Regulations and Coordination.
The spokesperson clarified that contrary to certain perceptions, Pakistan has allowed the commercial cultivation of GMO cotton since 2008, with a commendable safety record and no adverse reports linked to GMOs. The National Biosafety Committee (NBC), under the Ministry of Climate Change and following the Biosafety Rules 2005, regulates GMOs in the country. This regulation is supported by scientific consensus from global bodies like the World Health Organization, affirming GMOs’ safety when properly regulated and approved.
The spokesperson highlighted the significant role of GMOs in global agricultural production, citing countries like Brazil, the USA, Argentina, and China, which have embraced GMOs to enhance crop resilience and reduce environmental impact. They addressed common misconceptions about the EU, pointing out that it is one of the largest importers of GM corn, cotton, and soybean.
Addressing concerns about health implications, environmental impact, export contamination, and potential lobbying influences, the spokesperson emphasized the importance of empirical evidence, stringent regulatory procedures, and scientific consensus. Proposed amendments to Pakistan’s National Biosafety Rules (2005) aim to align with international standards and adopt a dual approval approach for planting and processing GMOs, focusing on cultivation and food, feed, and processing (FFPs).
The Ministry is actively working to integrate GMOs safely and beneficially into Pakistan’s agricultural framework, ensuring collaboration between stakeholders and authorities. The process of amending the Biosafety Rules and Guidelines, initiated in August 2020, involved relevant stakeholders over four years. The Ministry stressed its commitment to ensuring the well-being of people, animals, and the environment, highlighting its past decisions to block GM Basmati rice and GM corn import based on evolving scientific knowledge.
To foster informed dialogue and regulatory diligence, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research is organizing workshops, seminars, and forums for experts to share knowledge and address GMO-related concerns, promoting informed decision-making, policy formulation, and public awareness.