ISLAMABAD: In a historic step toward advancing Pakistan’s scientific and technological capabilities, the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has announced the launch of the country’s first-ever public-private genomics joint venture.
This pioneering initiative aims to strengthen national research institutions, promote agricultural innovation, and improve healthcare through indigenous genomic research and diagnostics, said a press release on Wednesday.
The venture is a collaboration between the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), PARC–Agro Tech Company (PATCO), under the umbrella of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), and Blazon Diagnostics.
The inauguration ceremony was held at NIGAB, NARC, Islamabad, with a distinguished gathering of national and international experts.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, Chairman of PARC, Lt. Gen. (R) Abdul Qayyum, Chairman of the Pak China Business Forum, Dr. Khalid Mehmood, Director General of NARC, Brig. Ali Raza, Commandant SIBGE, Dr. Shaukat Ali, Director of NIGAB, Dr. Taj Naseeb Khan, CEO of PATCO, senior officials, researchers and stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that this joint venture marks a key milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to ensure food security and strengthen national research institutions.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to transforming Pakistan’s scientific landscape. By developing indigenous genomic capabilities, we are empowering our researchers, farmers, and healthcare professionals with cutting-edge tools for innovation. This venture will not only help us become self-reliant in advanced research and diagnostics but will also contribute to the country’s economic growth by reducing dependence on foreign genomic services,” said Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain.
The venture will provide local DNA sequencing services for both agricultural research and clinical diagnostics, significantly reducing Pakistan’s reliance on foreign services. It is expected to play a critical role in saving foreign exchange while fostering innovation and scientific advancement. This move aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the government’s broader goal of utilizing advanced technologies to improve the lives of citizens and ensure long-term food security.
Minister Hussain further stressed that the success of this initiative would bolster Pakistan’s national research capacity, foster commercialization of modern genomic technologies, and lead to new avenues for biotechnology-driven development. By enabling researchers to conduct groundbreaking studies locally, this collaboration will put Pakistan on the map as a leader in genomic research and biotechnology in the region.
In his remarks, Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, Chairman of PARC, also praised the initiative, highlighting the role of NIGAB and PATCO in turning this vision into a reality.
He noted that the project would lay the foundation for a new era in Pakistan’s biotechnology sector, benefiting not only agricultural productivity but also public health.
This venture, under the leadership of Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, marks a decisive step toward advancing Pakistan’s technological and scientific capabilities. It opens up exciting possibilities for agricultural research, clinical diagnostics, and economic self-sufficiency through the adoption of state-of-the-art genomic technologies.
The launch of this public-private collaboration is a major leap forward for Pakistan’s biotechnology sector, positioning the country to meet future challenges and contribute to the global scientific community with innovative, homegrown solutions.
