IAEA lauds Pakistan’s role in peaceful nuclear programmes

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive contribution to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and commended its steady progress in civil nuclear technology, Radio Pakistan reported on Saturday.

The recognition came during a meeting between IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar, held on the sidelines of the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria.

In a statement shared on social media following the meeting, the IAEA chief praised Pakistan’s cooperation with the Agency and noted that the country's nuclear power programme was progressing steadily.

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Grossi also highlighted the recent commissioning of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-5 (C-5) as a major milestone by Pakistan in its efforts to enhance clean and sustainable energy production.

Recalling his visit to Pakistan earlier this year, Grossi described the first concrete pouring at a new nuclear site in February 2025 as a “major milestone” in Pakistan’s push for clean and sustainable energy.

The two officials also reviewed ongoing areas of collaboration under key IAEA initiatives, including the Atoms4Food programme — which uses nuclear technology to boost crop yields, enhance food safety, and manage pest control — and Rays of Hope, which aims to improve access to nuclear medicine and radiotherapy for cancer care, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Grossi appreciated Pakistan’s proactive engagement with the Agency, particularly in training, capacity building, and applying nuclear knowledge for socio-economic development. He noted that Pakistan remains a valued partner in advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.

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Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to international nuclear safety standards, Dr Anwar, said that all nuclear power plants in the country operate under the highest safety protocols.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s nuclear activities align with the IAEA’s vision and expressed the country’s intent to continue working closely with the Agency and its member states in advancing peaceful nuclear cooperation and regional development.