CS asks PNRA to train rescue personnel

Nuclear, radiation safety officers discuss SOPs, protocols with chief secretary, commissioner, Rescue 1122 DG

KARACHI:

The Sindh chief secretary has instructed Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) to train the rescue officials emphasising on availability of required resources and knowledge.

Top safety regulators from the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) on Tuesday met with the senior most administrative officials of the province to discuss nuclear and radiation safety protocols and preparedness.

According to a handout delegation of PNRA led by Inspection and Enforcement (I&E) DG Muhammad Qayyum Khan, and including Regional Nuclear Safety Directorate-III (RNSD-III) Director Hafiz Muhammad Zubair Arif, Directorate of Radiation Safety (RSD) Head Asad Mehmood Akhtar, and RSD Senior Scientific Officer Muhammad Nadeem called on Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah.

The meeting, which focused on improving coordination among relevant agencies, was attended by senior officials including Karachi Commissioner Hasan Naqvi, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Secretary Rehabilitation, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) DG, Rescue 1122 DG, Sindh Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) DG, and Keamari district deputy commissioner in whose limits the nuclear power plants are located.

The PNRA delegation provided a comprehensive overview of their ongoing regulatory activities, emphasising the importance of maintaining high safety standards and effective coordination among all involved entities.

They discussed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other safety protocols developed in accordance with international standards.

Asif Hyder Shah, commended PNRA for its diligent efforts in regulating nuclear safety across the province. He emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the PNRA, district administration, and Rescue 1122 to ensure seamless operations.

He directed the Commissioner Karachi, Deputy Commissioner Keamari, and PDMA officials to strengthen their cooperative efforts and enhance communication and coordination among all relevant agencies.

The chief secretary also highlighted the importance of ongoing training and awareness programmes for Rescue 1122 and district administration staff.

He instructed the PNRA to organise these training sessions to ensure that all personnel are fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to maintain high safety and operational standards across the board.