ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a monumental step toward scientific independence with the launch of the country’s first public-private genomics joint venture, bringing together national research centers and Chinese scientific stakeholders to revolutionize agriculture, healthcare, and biotechnology.
Announced by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday afternoon, the initiative is a collaboration between the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), PARC-Agro Tech Company (PATCO), and Blazon Diagnostics. A high-level Chinese research delegation also attended, signaling Beijing’s strategic commitment to advancing Pakistan’s genomic landscape.
The joint venture establishes Pakistan’s first facility for large-scale indigenous DNA sequencing, including agricultural genome mapping, disease diagnostics, and clinical-grade genetic testing. Until now, Pakistan relied heavily on foreign laboratories, incurring high costs and long delays. The new partnership is expected to save precious foreign exchange and dramatically expand national research capacity.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that genomics is the future of agricultural advancement and public health, and that Pakistan must no longer lag behind global scientific transitions. “By developing our own genomic capabilities, we empower farmers, researchers, and doctors with cutting-edge tools. This aligns perfectly with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to bring high technology to Pakistan’s agriculture and healthcare sectors,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by leading Pakistani scientists, senior officials, and Chinese researchers, including Lt. General Abdul Qayyum (retd), Chairman of the Pak-China Business Forum. Their presence underscored how deeply genomics cooperation is already woven into broader Sino-Pak science partnerships, which include agricultural biotechnology, vaccine development, and smart-farming systems under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase-II.
PARC Chairman Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi said the project will lay the foundation for Pakistan’s own biotechnology revolution, mirroring China’s rapid rise in the genomics sector through companies such as BGI and other research powerhouses.
He noted that agricultural genomics is critical for developing climate-resilient seeds, improving livestock genetics, and tackling plant diseases, challenges intensified by global climate shocks.
The venture is also expected to facilitate genetically mapped seed development, pathogen diagnostics, personalized medical testing, and indigenous biotechnological tools—areas where China has become a global leader and a knowledge partner for Pakistan.
Experts believe this step places Pakistan among the emerging nations investing strategically in genome science to fuel economic modernization, improve disease prediction, enable precision agriculture, and expand biotech exports. –Agencies
