Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Pakistan

Biotechnology in the recent years has emerged as a powerful medium for socio-economic development. A wide array of biotechnological techniques is being developed. Genetically modified crops and genetically modified animals are one of such example in which biotechnology has played a key role. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are the organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified through unnatural means. This technology is referred to as “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”, sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology” or the “genetic engineering”. This technology has been used to transfer selected genes from one organism to another organism. This technique has been used around many countries of the world for creating GM crops. However, such developments have resulted in the opening of multiple moral, legal and health issues as discussed in the review. While using such organisms, these issues need to be considered. Whereas considering the advantages, the disadvantages and the downsides are to be realized. Many countries have experienced different challenges while using the genetically modified organism. Currently, USA is considered to be the biggest producer and user of GMOs, whereas the European Union has had few reservations on their use. One common example of GMOs is Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton. The only GM crop commercialized in Pakistan is Bt Cotton. There have been few controversies associated with the use of GMOs in Pakistan which are discussed. This review predominantly considers the effect of GMOs on the agricultural production of the world in general and that of Pakistan in particular, presenting balanced views on its benefits and its certain ill effects. This review also covers the conventions and protocols relating to GMOs and its current status in Pakistan, and also highlights an alternate to GMOs in the form of synthetic biology which helps in the synthesis of new genes without the donor organism.