On April 14, 2025, the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs unanimously approved the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (Implementation) Bill, 2025. This legislation aims to align Pakistan’s domestic laws with its obligations under the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), which the country signed in 1972 and ratified in 1974.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Establishment of a National Oversight Mechanism: The bill mandates the creation of a national body responsible for ensuring compliance with the BWC. This includes monitoring and preventing the development, production, transfer, and use of biological and toxin weapons.
Provincial Representation: An amendment was incorporated to define the structure of the oversight body, ensuring representation from all provinces. This move aims to foster a collaborative approach across different regions of the country.
Implementation of Monitoring Systems: The legislation calls for the establishment of monitoring systems in line with international treaty obligations to prevent the misuse of biological agents.
The bill had previously been passed by the National Assembly on January 23, 2025, following its approval by the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) in November 2024 .
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The approval of this bill marks a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its legal framework against the proliferation of biological weapons, ensuring adherence to international norms and enhancing national security.
