GMOs (genetically modified organisms) “Hidden biological weapon, huge challenge for Pakistan”

Biotechnology has become the most powerful driver of socio-economic development. Genetically Modified Organisms are an example of biotechnology’s impact. GMOs are organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques, involving the intentional introduction of genetic material from one species into the DNA of another species, resulting in a novel combination of genetic material. It is said that when to introduce the new type of genes in an organism to increase the net productivity, either through milk and meat production of cattle, sheep, or increase in the yield of crops by introduction of new genes of taste, seasonal variations, enhancement of quality and quantity, and preservation for long time, is known as GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms.

GMOs is an emerging technology in biological sciences, which actively contribute as source of food production by lowering the starvation and hunger from society. Now the question is why to choose the topic for discussion and how much important it is? Or how it causes destruction of livelihood? Or how GMOs are said it as hidden biological weapon and how it become the prior known issue, or how it will be the fundamental challenge for Pakistan in future by destroying the mankind? All queries have been prioritized to facilitate solution-focused discussions.

Historical Background:
GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms was first known in 1970 by the discovery of DNA restriction enzymes by Swiss microbiologist Werner Arber, American molecular biologist Daniel Nathans, and Hamilton O. Smith. The reason of discovery is to understand bacterial defense mechanisms, investigating viral replication and exploring the genetic recombination. In short, the restriction enzymes are used for forensic analysis, gene therapy, gene cloning and genetic engineering. In 1973, Herbert Boyer & Stanley Cohen develop the first gene cloning technology using the restriction enzymes, the purpose of its discovery was to understand the gene functions & regulations, study of genetic disorder and disease, and developed to enable genetic research and biotechnology advancements. In 1974, Stanley Cohen created the first transgenic organism (E. coli), the reason of discovery of transgenic organisms is to increase the crop yield and agricultural productivity, creating the animal models for human diseases and produces the vaccines and recombinant proteins. After 7-9 years, the first transgenic mouse by Rudolf Jaenisch & transgenic plant by Mary-Dell Chilton was made. In 1990s, transgenic sheep, pigs and cattle was created. In 1992, FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) approved the first GMO vaccine (for animals). In 1994, the first GMO food(tomato) discovered by Flavr Savr. It aimed to improve shelf life, enhanced the flavor, reduced pesticides & for better nutritional content. In 2000, GMO crops reached 100 million acres worldwide. In 2015, FDA approved the first GMO animal for human consumptions.

Status of GMOs in Pakistan:
Pakistan is primarily an agricultural country where people rely directly and indirectly on different sources of crops like wheat, rice, potatoes, tomatoes, vegetables and fruits in diet. Almost 61% of the papulation lives in rural areas, and many of them are unaware to use the modern technology. In recent years, the inflation rate has increased, causing food expenses to rise beyond an optimal range. This has made food less accessible for those living below the poverty line. The aim of introducing the GMOs in Pakistan is to bring modern genetics & genetic diversification to enhance the quality & quantity of food. Biotechnologists are trying to establish such GMO seeds to increase crop yields annually and produce more crops. In Pakistan, food availability is lower then total papulation rate, so the net availability of food is less than growth rate. Therefore, GMO initiative may provide a source of living.
Here are some positive attributes of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms):

1. 1. Introduction of vaccine: By using the biotechnological sources, diseases are treated through different vaccines like Hepatitis B vaccine, Hemophilic, influenza type b(Hib), Lyme disease vaccine, influenza vaccine, these are GM-based vaccines which defend human body from viral attack.

1. 1. GM Insulin production: Human insulin is produced through recombinant DNA technology using E. coli bacteria or yeast fermentations. This insulin is used to manage diabetes through blood glucose monitoring.

1. 1. Increase of crop/ milk yields: GMOs aim to increase productivity through seed installation, gene introduction via recombinant technology and improvement of different hormones in an organism (animal, plant) for increasing the actual food production either milk or meat production, or plant growth enhancement.

1. 1. Antibiotic characteristics: GMOs have characteristics to work as antibiotic against the bacteria & viral infections. Many medicines function as defender against viral diseases and bacterial infections.

      Concept of Halal &Haram in Islam:
      In Islam, consuming the swine flesh is prohibited, the prohibition is clearly mentioned in several Quranic verses. “He has only forbidden to you dead animals, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:173). “Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, ad that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah” Surah Al- Ma’idah (5:3). Say: I find not in that which has been inspired to me anything forbidden to an eater that he eats thereof, except that it be dead, or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine, for it is an abomination, or that which has been dedicated unto other than Allah” Surah Al-An ‘am (6:145).
      In hadiths, prohibition of swine is clearly mentioned. Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “the swine is a creation of Allah, but it is impure” (Tirmidhi).
      Narrated Ibn Abbas: The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “Do not eat the flesh of swine, for
      it is impure” (Musnad Ahmed).

      GMOs in food (GMF: Genetically Modified Food):
      Genetically Modified food is created using recombinant DNA technology, which involves
      altering the DNA of food through genetic engineering, as opposed to natural breeding. Natural
      breeding occurs through the reproduction based on natural genetic variations within a species,
      which is slow and spanning process. In contrast, artificial breeding involves the assisted
      reproductive techniques to accelerate genetic change through controlled breeding, resulting in
      faster immediate results. The question arises as to why GMOs may not beneficial for health?
      and how they may impact what considered permissible(Halal) and impressible(Haram)? What
      are the major detrimental effects on people’s lives?

      According to the point of view of American Academy of Environmental
      Medicine(AAEM)
      According to AAEM, “it is challenging to research food and understand the effects of GMOs”
      because it is also complicated. I advised my patient to give up on trying preventing GMOs
      because it is almost impossible. Instead, concentrating on eating a heart-healthy diet that is
      high in fruits & vegetables, low in added sugar, and free of precooked items.

      Negative Impacts of GMOs on Health:
      Other than beneficial effects of GMOs, the negative health consequences are:
      1. Immune problem
      2. Infertility
      3. Hormonal issues
      4. Increased quantity of herbicides in food
      5. Cause diabetes and severe cardiovascular disorders
      6. Faulty insulin regulation
      7. Accelerated aging
      8. Gastrointestinal issues (gut problems)
      9. Allergic reactions
      10. Respiratory problems
      11. Cancer risk
      12. Neurological disorders

      Examples of GM food:
      1. ApplesTomatoes
      2. Papaya
      3. Soybean
      4. Corn
      5. Canola
      6. Honey
      7. Rape seed
      8. Sugarcane
      8. Potatoes
      9. Peach
      10. Broiler hens & eggs

      GMOs as hidden biological weapon:
      GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms, have hazardous and long-term impacts on health of human and animals. They can cause many physiological changes in human & animal bodies. For example, an analysis show that the cow injected with hormones produce more milk and meat, but this practice may not be beneficial for animal’s health. There are both positive and negative consequences caused by GMOs. The consumption of genetically modified products can lead to harmful disorders, especially infertility in women and hormonal issues in teenagers.

      Same is the case with broiler hens and eggs which are artificially synthesized by using biotechnological sources, harmful for human health. In addition, the consumption of genetically modified animal products can have spiritual implications, as some cultures, such as Muslims, prohibit the consumption of certain animals(swine). This can lead to ethical and spiritual concerns. In Holy Quran “O you who believe! Eat of the good things and do righteous deeds” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:168). Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “The flesh of one who eats haram will not enter paradise” (Tirmidhi). According to the scientific researches, the daily consumption of food consists of 99.9% impurities, so the only 0.99% pure form of food does not have much impact on human body because dominated substances suppresses the activity of purity, weakening the immune system badly.

      GMOs a huge challenge in Pakistan:
      Though biotechnology play a key role in the welfare of humanity and productivity enhancement, it has become a huge challenge for Pakistan as silent killer. In Pakistan, the use of GMOs has increased the recent decades, posing a significant challenge. While biotechnology can play a key role in enhancing productivity, the adoption of GMOs without fully understanding their harmful effects is concerning. Other European countries are raising protest to ban these toxic substances. Unfortunately, we are adopting them without knowing the harmful effects on living being. There are worries about their impacts on human health, environmental sustainability, and the potential for monopolization by large corporations.

      Critics argue that GMOs could lead to the displacement of traditional crop varieties and exacerbate existing social & economic inequalities. Pakistan’s regulatory framework for GMOs is inadequate, leading to confusion and inconsistencies. The country lacks clear guidelines and law governing GMO cultivation and trade, making it difficult for farmers, researchers, and regulators to navigate. GMO also pose the risk of contaminating non-GMO crops, and overuse can lead to pesticide-resistant pests. Intensive farming practices linked to GMO crops, and their overuse can lead to pesticide-resistant pests. Intensive farming practices linked to GMOs contribute water and soil degradation. Loss of biodiversity is another concern,
      as GMOs potentially threaten traditional crop varsities. There are also concerns about allergens,
      toxicity, antibiotic resistance, and nutrition associated with GMO consumption. Unintended
      effects and long-term impacts should be carefully considered.

      Solutions regarding the sustainable use of GMOs in Pakistan:
      To ensure the sustainable use of GMOs in Pakistan, the following solutions are very
      important:
      1. Establish clear guidelines and law governing GMO cultivation and trade.
      2. Organize public awareness about the GMO benefits and risk. Develop the educational.
      3. materials for farmers, scientists and regulators.
      4. Conduct thorough risk assessments and implement containment measures to prevent
      5. GMO contamination. Monitoring GMO cultivation and impact.
      6. Establish the national GMO regulatory authority to check the quality of products from
      7. low to higher levels.
      8. Promote public private partnerships, to develop the safe zone of living.
      9. Ensure biosafety and environmental sustainability.
      
      Conclusion:
      The advent of Genetically Modified Organisms has sparked intense debate globally, and Pakistan is no exception. As Pakistan struggles to address food security concerns, climate change, and economic pressures, GMOs have been touted as a potential solution. However, the unchecked proliferation of GMOs poses significant risk to Pakistan’s biodiversity, human health, and national security, effectively rendering them hidden biological weapon. To mitigate these risks, Pakistan must adopt a cautious approach, prioritizing biosafety, public health, and national security. This requires establishing a robust national biosafety authority, developing and implementing stringent GMO regulations, and investing in local research and development. It’s imperative for Pakistan to prioritize caution and prudence in its approach to GMOs, ensuring the protection of its people, environment, and national interest. Dear Pakistan, by protecting ourselves, we can protect our country. And learn that “self-preservation is key to national preservation”