GM Corn Committee reviews maize policy, global practices

July 17, 2026 (MLN): The Committee on Genetically Modified (GM) Corn, constituted by the Prime Minister to undertake an objective, science-based and evidence-driven review of Pakistan's policy on the commercialization of genetically modified maize, held its first meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, and attended by the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Agriculture and Food Security, CEO Pakistan Green Initiative, along with representatives from relevant business and export sectors, regulatory bodies, and technical and scientific experts, according to a press release issued.

In his opening remarks, the Finance Minister said the Committee had been given a focused mandate to objectively examine the available scientific, economic, and policy evidence.

He said its deliberations should remain factual, balanced, and evidence-based, with due consideration given to all relevant stakeholder perspectives before recommendations are finalized.

The Ministry of National Food Security and Research briefed the Committee on the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, its development process, international regulatory practices, scientific assessments, and the Committee's Terms of Reference.

Members were told the policy had undergone an extensive consultative process involving relevant stakeholders prior to its approval.

The meeting reviewed scientific evidence on the commercialization of GM maize, including international experiences, regulatory frameworks, biosafety assessments, and coexistence mechanisms adopted by countries producing both GM and non-GM maize.

Discussions also covered potential productivity gains, climate resilience, farmer welfare, food security, industrial competitiveness, and emerging developments in agricultural biotechnology.

Participants examined the potential economic implications of GM maize commercialization, including domestic demand, requirements of the poultry, livestock, and industrial sectors, export opportunities, and considerations relating to non-GM export markets.

International trade practices, certification mechanisms, supply chain management, and measures to facilitate coexistence of GM and non-GM production systems were also discussed.

Representatives from government institutions, regulatory bodies, the private sector, exporters, and industry presented their respective perspectives, with a broad range of views considered on the potential benefits, implementation challenges, regulatory preparedness, export considerations, and international market requirements associated with GM maize commercialization.

Senator Aurangzeb said the Committee's recommendations must remain firmly grounded in scientific evidence, objective analysis, and Pakistan's long-term national interest.

While acknowledging the importance of policy consistency, he said the Committee had been constituted to independently review the available evidence and ensure all relevant viewpoints are carefully evaluated before final recommendations are made.

He further noted that agriculture remains central to Pakistan's economic transformation and sustainable growth, stressing the need to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and enhance farmer incomes through evidence-based policies and responsible adoption of modern technologies.

He added that implementation capacity, regulatory preparedness, environmental safeguards, and market access considerations must remain integral to the policy framework.

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