Pakistan Reviews GMO Soybean Meal Imports Amid Biosafety Concerns and Policy Reforms
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, chaired a high-level committee meeting on Monday to assess the regulatory and import framework concerning Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) soybean meal in Pakistan.
During the meeting, the Minister stressed the importance of basing all national decisions on rigorous scientific evidence. He directed relevant authorities to conduct a comparative analysis to determine why Pakistan’s soybean yields remain considerably lower than global standards. He also called for an in-depth examination into why the production costs of locally grown soybean seeds and meals are significantly higher than those of imported products.
Biosafety concerns were also central to the discussion. Participants raised the issue of potential gene escape and other ecological risks associated with GMO soybean seed and meal. Dr. Malik underscored the urgent need for well-defined safety protocols and regulatory safeguards to address these threats.
To further guide the government’s approach, a national committee was formed under the leadership of Professor Kosar Abdullah Malik. This committee has been tasked with organizing a national conference within the next ten days, bringing together leading scientists, researchers, and policy experts to provide recommendations for future seed and biotechnology policies.
Dr. Malik concluded the session by directing the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive policy framework within 90 days. This framework will address biosafety, biotechnology governance, and regulatory mechanisms to promote sustainable agriculture and ensure long-term food security in Pakistan.
