ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, has called for an urgent review of the import and regulation of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) soybean meal in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for science-based policymaking.
Chairing a high-level committee meeting, Dr. Malik noted that Pakistan’s soybean yield lags far behind other countries and that the local production costs are much higher than those of imported soybean products. He stressed the importance of scientific benchmarking to better understand these gaps and improve domestic agricultural efficiency.
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The meeting also discussed biosafety concerns, including gene escape risks associated with GMO soybean seed and meal. Dr. Malik directed relevant stakeholders to ensure that any future decisions are aligned with both environmental safety protocols and agricultural sustainability goals.
A new committee, led by Prof. Kosar Abdullah Malik, has been formed to organize a national biotechnology conference within 10 days. The event will bring together researchers and experts to help shape Pakistan’s future policies on seed and biotechnology.
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Dr. Malik has given a 90-day deadline for finalizing a comprehensive policy framework on biosafety, biotechnology, and regulatory standards. The new framework aims to strike a balance between food security, economic viability, and scientific integrity.
