Improving Biosecurity in Pakistan: Current Efforts, Challenges, and Recommendations on a Multidimensional Management Strategy

Abstract

Rapidly advancing biotechnological research and easy access to biological information have created challenges for preventing their intentional misuse. Because of the dedicated efforts of science and policy leaders in Pakistan, the country is on the road to becoming a regional role model in ensuring biosafety and capacity for biosecurity. Although Pakistan has made remarkable efforts promoting a culture of biosafety and biosecurity, several constraints persist related to sustainable development and the expansion of the biosecurity capacity in Pakistan. Studies suggest there is little understanding of dual-use research of concern among the majority of life scientists in Pakistan. Further, Pakistan has yet to fully develop and implement approaches for risk assessment, frameworks for oversight and regulation, or tools and procedures for monitoring and reporting situations in which misuse of biological materials might occur. More data are needed to answer questions about key biosecurity hazards specific to the country or region and the procedures that may be required for periodic risk assessments. Integrating biosecurity into the existing infrastructure with limited resources is key challenge in implementation. More coordination is required among various stakeholders to develop an effective biosecurity framework. This article focuses on Pakistan's strides toward biosecurity preparedness in terms of protecting pathogens, toxins, or biological technologies with dual-use risks to prevent their malevolent use. We propose a multidimensional biosecurity management model at the national level to strengthen the biosecurity enterprise in Pakistan.

Keywords: Biosecurity; Dual-use science; National strategy/policy; Regulatory issues.