Urdu Report Desk
Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) has instructed universities and degree-awarding institutions to secure written approval from the National Bioethics Committee (NBC) before sending human biological samples or health-related information abroad.
The directive aims to ensure that international research transfers comply with bioethics regulations and protect Pakistan’s genetic resources and citizens’ personal information.
Types of Biological Samples Covered
The requirement applies to human biological materials, including blood, tissues, DNA, RNA and human cells, shared with foreign institutions.
Universities must obtain the necessary clearance before transferring these materials or health-related data overseas and must comply fully with NBC regulations governing biological samples and medical information.
HEC Warns of National Security and Privacy Risks
In its directive, the HEC warned that unauthorized transfers of human biological materials could pose national security risks and compromise the protection of Pakistan’s genetic resources.
The commission also raised concerns about the privacy implications of sharing health-related information without proper oversight, particularly the need to safeguard the personal and genetic data of Pakistani citizens.
Universities Face Possible Regulatory Action
The HEC warned that institutions failing to comply with NBC regulations could face regulatory action.
It also stated that approvals for ongoing and future research projects could be revoked if the required clearance from the National Bioethics Committee is not obtained.
Mandatory Clearance Before Overseas Transfers
Under the directive, universities must ensure that both biological samples and health-related information meet the committee’s requirements before any overseas transfer takes place.
The requirement applies to universities and other degree-awarding institutions involved in research that requires the transfer of human biological material or health information to foreign institutions.
