Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has stressed the need for a scientific, evidence-based and consensus-driven approach to the adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) Corn technology in Pakistan. He was chairing the second meeting of the Committee on GM Corn in Islamabad to review progress on the committee's mandate and discuss the way forward.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting reviewed follow-up actions from the previous session and discussed the potential of GM corn technology to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, reduce import dependence and improve competitiveness, while safeguarding Pakistan's corn milling industry, export markets and agricultural value chains.

The Finance Minister observed that the coexistence of GM and non-GM corn is achievable with a robust regulatory framework and appropriate supply chain arrangements to protect Pakistan's agricultural and export interests. The committee decided to establish a working group comprising representatives from relevant government organizations, industry, exporters and technology providers to develop consensus-based recommendations on the regulatory framework, transition strategy, biosafety measures and supply chain requirements.

The Finance Minister directed the working group to engage closely with all stakeholders and finalize its recommendations on a priority basis.