Islamabad, November 25, 2025: (PR&P PARC) In a landmark development for Pakistan’s scientific and technological landscape, the country’s first-ever public–private genomics joint venture has been formally launched through a collaboration between the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), PARC–Agro Tech Company (PATCO) under the umbrella of PARC, and Blazon Diagnostics. The inauguration ceremony was held at NIGAB, NARC, and was attended by a distinguished gathering of national and international experts. Notable participants included, Chairman PARC, Dr. Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, Chairman Pak China Business Forum, Lt. Gen. (R) Abdul Qayyum, Dr. Khalid Mehmood, Director General NARC, Brig. Ali Raza, Commandant SIBGE, Dr. Shaukat Ali, Director NIGAB, Dr. Taj Naseeb Khan, CEO PATCO, among several other senior officials, researchers, and stakeholders.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PARC Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi stated that this initiative has been undertaken under the guidance of the Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, which clearly demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to ensuring the country’s food and nutritional security. He Said that this joint venture marks a historic milestone for Pakistan’s scientific community. By developing indigenous genomic capabilities, we are laying the foundation for self-reliance in advanced research and diagnostics. This initiative will not only strengthen our national institutions but also accelerate innovation that directly benefits our farmers, researchers, and the healthcare sector.

A delegation of Chinese researchers also participated in the ceremony and extended their full support toward the success of this pioneering initiative. This joint venture aligns closely with the vision of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanvir Hussain, who aim to transform the lives of Pakistani citizens through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The newly established collaboration will provide indigenous DNA sequencing services for research and development in agriculture and Clinical diagnostics, significantly reducing reliance on foreign services and contributing to valuable foreign exchange savings.

Speakers at the event commended NIGAB and PATCO, under the umbrella of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, PARC for translating this initiative from concept to reality. They emphasized that the venture will pave the way for commercialization of modern genomic technologies, enhance national research capacity, and open new avenues for innovation-driven development. This historic initiative marks a major leap forward in strengthening Pakistan’s biotechnology capabilities and fostering a future driven by advanced scientific solutions.