ISLAMABAD: A session of the National Assembly’s standing committee of food security ended in a fiasco after exchange of harsh words between the Minister of National Food Security and representative of soyabean importers on Wednesday.
Food Security Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema said that the import of
genetically modified soyabean is not allowed in Pakistan. “Nine vessels with
GMO soyabean cargo have been ceased over illegal cargo,” minister said.
“Customs Intelligence has ceased ships. We could not be part of any illegal
practice,” Cheema stressed. “GMO soyabean causes cancer thus its import has
not been allowed,” he further said.
“Only import of non-GMO soyabean has been allowed. US ambassador had also
called on me for clearance of soyabean vessels,” food minister said. “Give
one-time clearance to soyabean vessels,” he asked. “How can Pakistan allow a
thing, which has been banned in the USA,” minister said.
“Chairman of the committee has also become advocate of soyabean importers,”
he said. Chairman standing committee Rao Ajmal and Tariq Bashir exchanged
harsh words over the comment. “I am going to adjourn the committee session
if Mr. Cheeman didn’t take back his words,” Rao Ajmal warned.
“I am not advocate of anyone. Poultry industry has been on the verge of
destruction. My 10 poultry-farms out of 12, have been closed,” Ajmal said.
Federal Minister demanded removing the representative of soyabean importers
from the committee’s session. “You yourself leave the session,” importers
representative responded to the minister.
The standing committee session adjourned after bad mouthing between
importers representative and the federal minister.
