Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb says agriculture remains central to Pakistan's economic transformation and sustainable growth.

He said this while chairing the first meeting of the Committee for Genetically Modified Corn in Islamabad today.

The Minister said the committee had been tasked with objectively assessing the available scientific, economic, and policy evidence while taking into account the views of all relevant stakeholders before making its recommendations.

He said effective regulation, environmental safeguards, and responsible adoption of modern technologies are essential to improving productivity and ensuring sustainable growth.

The committee was briefed on the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, international regulatory practices, and scientific assessments.

It reviewed global experience with genetically modified corn commercialization, including biosafety standards, regulatory frameworks, and coexistence mechanisms for GM and non-GM crops.

The committee also discussed the potential impact of GM corn on agricultural productivity, climate resilience, food security, farmer incomes, industrial competitiveness, export opportunities, and international market requirements.