PR No.83 Islamabad: 13th July 2018

18th meeting of National Biosafety Committee was convened at Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad on 13th July, 2018 under the chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change /Chairman NBC. The members from different ministries viz. Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Textile Industries, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Ministry of Industries and Production, Ministry of Science and Technology and members from various public sector institutes / organizations participated the meeting including members from AJK, Punjab and KPK EPAs. The meeting started with the introduction of participants and Chair Mr. Khizar Hayat Khan welcomed all the members. Director General Pak-EPA Ms. Farzana Altaf Shah briefed about the agenda of the NBC meeting and also shared the brief proceedings of 23rd Technical Advisory Committee meeting held in Pak-EPA. After that the Chairperson NBC got endorsement from the members on the minutes of the 17th NBC meeting. The Committee unanimously approved the minutes of the 17th NBC meeting. Total 48 cases were approved in 17th NBC meeting, among these 23 cases were of single gene Bt. cotton varieties. Among the cases involving double and triple genes, 07 cases were of laboratory genetic manipulation work, 07 case of import of GM seed and 11 cases were of field trials. During meeting Dr. Mir Aijaz Hussain Talpur from Ministry of Textile gave his opinion about research module and Dr. Muhammad Latif from HEC assured that research projects funded by HEC in the field of GMOs will be shared with Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency for sustainability and promotion of research. Total nine (09) cases of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) related activities were on the agenda of 18th NBC meeting. Among these, eight (08) cases were of laboratory genetic manipulation work and only one (01) case was of field trials of genetically modified organisms. These cases were considered in the 23rd meeting of Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) held on 9th May, 2018 and were recommended to National Biosafety Committee for the approval. After detailed discussion the committee approved all the cases with certain conditions. The meeting ended with vote of thanks.

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