HSP-ABM Host Working Group Meeting to Identify Opportunities to Strengthen National Biosafety Frameworks in Pakistan

On August 18, 2026, the Association for Biorisk Management (ABM) and Health Security Partners (HSP) convened a Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting in Islamabad to support the strengthening of Pakistan’s national biosafety frameworks, including the Pakistan Biosafety Rules, 2005 (amended 2024) and National Biosafety Guidelines, 2005 (amended 2024). The meeting focused on identifying opportunities to strengthen the existing frameworks in key areas, including dual-use research and dual-use research of concern (DURC) oversight, biosecurity, cyberbiosecurity, and environmental risk assessment, and to build consensus on a roadmap for moving the revision process forward.

 

The meeting brought together 10 experts and key stakeholders from government, academia, research institutions, and relevant regulatory bodies, including the Vice Chancellor of Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture Multan, Chief of the CDC-NIH, Chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation, HEC representatives, and subject matter experts.

 

Through an open and consultative discussion, TWG members identified key gaps in the existing biosafety frameworks, discussed priority areas for strengthening the Pakistan Biosafety Rules and National Biosafety Guidelines, and agreed on a structured process for developing recommendations for proposed revisions and amendments.

 

The group created a final roadmap outlining the key steps, timelines, responsibilities, and stakeholder engagement required to support the development of recommendations, broader consultation, and eventual strengthening and implementation of Pakistan’s national biosafety frameworks.