The Biotech Revolution: A Strategic Imperative for Pakistan
The world is entering a new era—one where biology and technology converge to shape our health systems, economies, defense strategies, and global influence. From gene-edited crops to AI-powered drug discovery, biotechnology is rapidly becoming the backbone of national power. Countries that recognize this shift early are reaping the benefits. The United States and China are at the forefront, each deploying strategic, whole-of-nation approaches to ensure dominance in this high-stakes arena. Meanwhile, Pakistan, despite its promising human capital, remains largely unprepared for this biotech revolution.
This brings us to the question: why invest in biotechnology? It’s not just about scientific progress—it’s about survival, security, and sovereignty. Biotechnology enables nations to produce their own vaccines, secure food supplies, clean the environment, and build high-value industries. Understanding this, the United States Congress established the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) in 2021. Tasked with assessing the national security implications of emerging biotech, the bipartisan commission issued a sobering warning in its 2024 report: China is fast becoming the global leader in biotech, and unless the U.S. takes urgent action within the next three years, it risks falling irreversibly behind.
In response, the Commission outlined bold and specific recommendations: prioritize biotechnology at the national level; mobilize the private sector to scale innovations; integrate biotech into defense strategies; out-innovate strategic competitors through investment in next-generation science; build a future-ready workforce; and collaborate with global allies to set international governance standards. Notably, it recommended a minimum investment of $15 billion over five years to unlock innovation and prevent China from monopolizing critical biotech supply chains. Senator Todd Young, chair of the NSCEB, emphasized, “There is time to act—but no time to wait,” underscoring the urgency of building a diplomatic corps well-versed in critical technologies.
In contrast, China’s biotech strategy has been more deliberate and cohesive. For over two decades, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has integrated biotechnology into national development plans. President Xi Jinping has consistently emphasized the biopharmaceutical industry as a “strategic emerging sector” essential for economic development, public health, and national security. Unlike nations that struggle with follow-through, China excels in execution. Policies such as Chapter 65 focus on legislative support, implementation mechanisms, and ensuring that R&D translates into scaled products—areas where many developing countries fall short.
As a result, China’s biotech market is projected to exceed, growing at an annual rate of over 20%. China’s goal is not just self-sufficiency it aims for global influence through bio-manufacturing, AI-biotech integration, and supply chain control.
By contrast, Pakistan’s position in the global biotech landscape is far less promising. Despite a large youth population, capable scientists, and vibrant universities, Pakistan has yet to make meaningful strides. Several consultative workshops, academic conferences, and funding calls have been organized, but few have delivered sustainable outcomes. The fundamental problem lies not in a lack of resources but in a disconnect between science and policy, and between vision and execution.
While countries like the U.S. and China are actively building biotech parks, regulatory pathways, and public-private ecosystems, Pakistan remains mired in outdated models and bureaucratic inertia. Initiatives such as STED 2025 may sound visionary, but they often lack inclusivity and practical implementation—particularly excluding young voices that could drive innovation. Even COMSTECH, the OIC’s science body headquartered in Pakistan, has yet to translate its mandate into effective biotech hubs or regional accelerators. Ultimately, the greatest barrier is not scientific capacity, but a system resistant to transformation.
To avoid missing this once-in-a-generation opportunity, Pakistan must urgently embrace a forward-thinking vision for biotechnology. This new direction must be bold, inclusive, and grounded in practical execution. Specifically, five strategic actions are necessary:
First, declare biotechnology a strategic sector and embed it into national development strategies with clear goals for health, innovation, and bio-manufacturing.
Second, move beyond endless consultations by implementing 5–10 scalable pilot projects across health, agriculture, and the environment—funded through public-private partnerships with transparent accountability.
Third, include youth in leadership roles by breaking patronage systems and launching open calls for young innovators and researchers.
Fourth, establish regulatory and commercialization frameworks to enable biotech products to enter the market via fast-track approval and ethical oversight.
Fifth, develop regional collaboration networks through partnerships with OIC, IsDB, ADB, and SAARC, positioning Pakistan as a biotech bridge for the Global South.
The time for debate is over—this is a moment for decisive action. Biotechnology is no longer a luxury; it is a strategic necessity. Pakistan’s pressing challenges in public health, food security, environmental degradation, and economic stagnation can all be addressed through biotech—but only if we move from rhetoric to results.
While the U.S. and China offer different models—one led by capitalism and national security, the other by state-driven industrial strategy—Pakistan must forge its own path. A model rooted in innovation, youth inclusion, and institutional courage. We may not match the financial firepower of superpowers, but we possess something equally potent: the untapped genius, energy, and resilience of a new generation ready to build.
Let us stop circling the same ideas and start investing in our bio-future—before it’s too late.
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Spine Times.
Dr. Wasim Sajjad
The writer is a Fulbright Scholar, biosecurity expert, and global science policy leader, serving as Assistant Professor at NUMS and Executive Committee Member of the Global Young Academy.
