In his opening remarks, the finance minister underscored that the committee had been entrusted with a focused mandate to objectively examine the available scientific, economic, and policy evidence. He emphasized that its deliberations should remain factual, balanced, and evidence-based, while ensuring that all relevant stakeholder perspectives are duly considered before arriving at its recommendations.

The committee received a comprehensive briefing from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research on the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, its development process, international regulatory practices, scientific assessments, and the Committee’s Terms of Reference. Members were informed that the policy had undergone an extensive consultative process involving relevant stakeholders prior to its approval.

The meeting reviewed scientific evidence relating to the commercialization of GM maize, including international experiences, regulatory frameworks, biosafety assessments, and coexistence mechanisms adopted by countries where both GM and non-GM maize production is practiced. Discussions also covered potential productivity gains, climate resilience, farmer welfare, food security, industrial competitiveness, and emerging developments in agricultural biotechnology.

Participants further examined the potential economic implications of GM maize commercialization, including domestic demand, the requirements of Pakistan’s poultry, livestock, and industrial sectors, export opportunities, and considerations relating to non-GM export markets. They also discussed international trade practices, certification mechanisms, supply chain management, and measures to facilitate the coexistence of GM and non-GM production systems, where appropriate.

Representatives from relevant government institutions, regulatory bodies, the private sector, exporters, and industry presented their respective perspectives. A broad range of views was considered on the potential benefits, implementation challenges, regulatory preparedness, export considerations, and international market requirements associated with the commercialization of GM maize. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized that 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 noted that the committee had been constituted to independently review the available evidence and ensure that all relevant viewpoints are carefully evaluated before final recommendations are made.