The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief on Wednesday supported Pakistan's quest for pursuing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, saying nuclear energy was key to Pakistan's development.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi is on a visit to Pakistan and held a series of meetings including with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
"Nuclear energy is a key ally in Pakistan's development -- its six reactors supplied over 17% of the country's electricity in 2023, strengthening energy security," he wrote on X in a series of posts after engagements in Islamabad.
Grossi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, reaffirming the IAEA's commitment to working with Pakistan on its peaceful nuclear program. They also discussed global challenges and the importance of international cooperation.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister commended the IAEA's efforts in promoting nuclear energy as a key solution to mitigate climate change and emphasized Pakistan's commitment to utilizing nuclear technology for sustainable development.
The discussion focused on the peaceful applications of nuclear technology in sectors such as cancer diagnostics and treatment, agriculture, food preservation, water management, and industry.
Meanwhile, at the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Grossi spoke about the role of nuclear science in development, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. He highlighted Pakistan as a key example of nuclear technology benefiting multiple sectors.
Grossi met with Chairman Mansoor of the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) to discuss the importance of a strong regulatory body for a growing nuclear program. He acknowledged Pakistan's collaboration with the IAEA, including hosting the ConvEx-2c safety exercise.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ