In a landmark development for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, the National Biosafety Committee (NBC), during its 35th meeting held at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), approved the country’s first genetically modified (GM) sugarcane and advanced cotton varieties for commercialization. The meeting was chaired by the Secretary, MoCC&EC, who also serves as Chairman of the NBC, and attended by the Director General, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, along with other senior officials and experts.
The Committee approved the commercialization of two environment-friendly sugarcane lines, CABB-IRS and CABB-HTS, which were declared safe for humans, animals, and the environment. Laboratory and field trials confirmed no toxic residues in sugarcane juice or jiggery. As these sugarcane lines are vegetatively propagated, there is no risk of gene flow. These lines have also successfully completed Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing by the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSCRD). However, for national-scale cultivation, the sugarcane lines will now undergo National Uniform Yield Trials (NUYT) under the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). The approval marks a historic first — the development of GM sugarcane lines within Pakistan — reflecting the nation’s growing capacity in agricultural biotechnology.
In addition, the NBC approved the Bt. cotton variety CEMB-AAS3 for commercialization. The CEMB-AAS3 variety, developed by the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), Lahore, has been engineered for herbicide tolerance and bollworm resistance, carrying the Cry1Ac, Cry2A, and GTG genes. The variety also shows tolerance to Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) and superior fiber quality with higher yields, contributing to reduced pesticide use and improved sustainability.
The Committee also approved NIBGE-1601, developed by the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad. This cotton event incorporates a dual gene construct (Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab), offering strong resistance against chewing pests such as pink bollworm and armyworm. Biosafety assessments confirmed that the event is as safe as non-GM cotton. The NIBGE-1601 event will be made available to breeders for developing high-yielding, pest-resistant commercial varieties.
Another major milestone of the meeting was the approval of import permission for 43 genetically modified canola events for food, feed, and processing (FFP) purposes. These GM canola varieties possess traits including herbicide tolerance, phytase enzyme production (to enhance animal feed quality), and improved fatty acid composition — featuring high oleic acid levels that promote heart health.
The NBC’s approvals signify Pakistan’s continued progress in biosafety governance and responsible adoption of biotechnology in agriculture. The decisions align with global biosafety standards and reflect the country’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental protection.
