Govt moves toward consensus on GM Corn commercialization framework

A government committee on genetically modified corn has agreed to finalise a full transition and implementation plan for commercialising GM maize in Pakistan, according to Mettis Link News. The panel was formed on the Prime Minister's instructions to review national GM maize policy on evidence and science, and it met under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on August 31, 2026. Officials said the work is now moving from policy design into rollout.

The proposed framework is built on GM and non-GM maize growing side by side under the approved national biotechnology policy, with a gradual changeover that gives industry time to adjust. Industry members raised concerns about the transition period, the availability of non-GM seed and possible effects on existing players, and the committee asked for clear guidelines and safeguards. Aurangzeb pressed for realistic timelines without needless delay, while the panel also looked at better harvesting, storage and related infrastructure to raise farm productivity.

Aurangzeb said members had shifted away from opposing stances and reached a wide measure of agreement, and he asked for speedy completion so recommendations could reach the authorities responsible for implementation. The meeting also brought in the head of Pakistan Green Initiative, business and export representatives, and technical experts, alongside government officials from food security and agriculture.