Experts push for indigenous GMO guidelines

Islamabad : With scientific findings on genetically modified crop safety still inconclusive, a strategic evaluation before introducing GM organisms in Pakistan is essential and should be guided by a robust regulatory system.

The mechanism, grounded in indigenous research, mobilisation of local resources, and tailored safety standards, must account for Pakistan’s unique agricultural and environmental conditions. As Pakistan explores this path, a framework that prioritises national interests, public health, and ecological balance remains crucial. This was the essence of the ideas exchanged during a round table on “Food Security and GMOs in Pakistan” at the Institute of Policy Studies here.

IPS chairman Khalid Rahman said the primary challenge for Pakistan’s agriculture ecosystem was not a lack of resources but rather their waste and mismanagement. He urged regulators and policymakers to focus on developing solutions through indigenous frameworks that align with national interests rather than those shaped by corporate interests.

"To ensure effective agricultural advancement, the decision-making must be transparent, inclusive, and centred on the welfare of our agricultural ecosystem, environment, and public health," he said. The other speakers, including former vice-chancellor of the University of Haripur Dr Anwar ul Hassan Gilani, National Institute of Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology director Dr Shaukat Ali and Chairman of the Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics at PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi Dr Zahid Akram, noted while genetic modification had become integral to advancing agricultural technology, there remained valid concerns over its long-term impacts on human health and environmental stability.

This highlights the need for a strategic evaluation and robust regulatory framework, that is efficient in both content and implementation and prioritised long-term gains of food security, public health, and environmental sustainability, according to them.

The experts said that research, highlighting the potential of GM crops to meet the demands of a growing population by focusing on their high-yield capacities and resilience to pests, weeds, and adverse weather conditions, was mostly donor-initiated, so they might overlook local agricultural realities and the priorities of farmers and consumers.

They advocated for indigenous research and the creation of a comprehensive, inclusive food policy that involves all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process, saying this will ensure it aligns with national priorities and public welfare.

The experts also referenced studies indicating links between GM food consumption and health issues, including allergies, cancer, and reproductive decline in animal research, and said scientific consensus on GM safety was inconclusive, so further exploration was required to ensure public health is safeguarded. They said any new agricultural policy should prioritise long-term improvements in food security, public health, and environmental sustainability over corporate profits.