GM corn technologies: Major breakthrough nears as grant of biosafety licences is reviewed

Pakistan’s National Biosafety Committee has met to review several applications, including long-pending licences for genetically modified corn technologies, Business Recorder reported on October 23. The committee’s deliberations follow the government’s approval earlier this year of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, which is intended to reinforce oversight of agricultural innovation.

CropLife Pakistan executive director Rasheed Ahmed said approval could help bring advanced seed technologies to farmers, with potential benefits for productivity, food security and agricultural competitiveness. The report says possible approvals would also support demonstrations, farmer training and responsible-use programmes, while experts have stressed the importance of timely decisions. The applications remain under review, so the report does not establish that licences have been granted.