Energy crisis: Pakistan calls for balance

Pakistan calls for a balance in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s regulatory, promotional and safety functions.

UNITED NATIONS: Highlighting its rising electricity needs, Pakistan has called for a balance in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s regulatory, promotional and safety functions to ensure its continuing relevance in the context of promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and non-proliferation.

“IAEA’s role in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy is indispensable. The agency is uniquely placed to facilitate transfer of nuclear technology to developing countries,” Pakistani delegate Raza Bashir Tarar told the UN General Assembly on Monday.

Speaking in a debate on the annual IAEA report, he said Pakistan had contributed to the agency’s technical cooperation programme through training, the provision of experts and hosting of seminars.

He also indicated the need for enhanced and assured resource allocation for technical cooperation, and that the programme could be expanded through more developing country involvement in its design and implementation.

He said Pakistan had established a strong, independent nuclear safety and security infrastructure, and it was party to various international conventions.

Having signed its first commercial nuclear power plant in 1965, Pakistan was the 15th nation in the world - and only second developing country - to start a nuclear power programme, the Pakistani delegate pointed out.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2010.