On 2 December 2025 in Islamabad, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik held a high-level meeting with Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan, joined by Secretary Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Ms Aisha Moriani, to discuss steps toward a more efficient GM canola trade framework between the two countries.
The meeting highlighted limitations in the current Harmonized System codes that affect processing and clearance of GM canola consignments, and both sides explored options to bring greater clarity and efficiency to customs and regulatory procedures. Discussions focused on practical measures to reduce uncertainty for importers and exporters while ensuring compliance with biosafety requirements.
Dr Musadik Malik emphasised the ministry’s commitment to minimising procedural delays and said any policy updates would aim to streamline processes and facilitate trade. He also outlined plans to upgrade the ministry’s digital dashboard to improve transparency, speed up clearances, and make it easier for stakeholders to track regulatory steps related to GM canola and other agricultural commodities.
High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan reaffirmed Canada’s support for expanding bilateral agricultural trade and welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen regulatory mechanisms. Both delegations agreed to maintain close coordination, build institutional capacity to handle technical and biosafety issues, and work together to promote sustainable, transparent, and mutually beneficial GM canola trade practices.
