Pakistan has highlighted the role of its peaceful nuclear program in supporting the country’s energy security and socioeconomic development during the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.
Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, led Pakistan’s delegation at the international gathering, where representatives from IAEA member states are discussing nuclear energy, safety, security and peaceful applications of nuclear science.
Pakistan Highlights Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology
During Pakistan’s engagement at the conference, the PAEC chairman emphasized the country’s continued use of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes.
Pakistan has developed nuclear applications across several civilian sectors, including electricity generation, healthcare, agriculture, research and water-resource management.
The country has also maintained cooperation with the IAEA in areas including nuclear safety, security, technical training and peaceful applications of atomic technology.
Pakistan has been an IAEA member since 1957 and has participated in various technical cooperation and safeguards arrangements with the agency over the decades.
Nuclear Energy Plays Growing Role in Power Generation
Nuclear power remains an important part of Pakistan’s electricity generation strategy as the country seeks reliable and lower-carbon sources of energy.
Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of approximately 3,530 MW.
According to information released in connection with the country’s nuclear power program, these facilities have maintained an average capacity factor exceeding 90 percent.
Pakistan is also expanding its nuclear generation capacity through the construction of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-5 (C-5).
The new reactor has a planned gross generating capacity of 1,200 MW and is scheduled to be commissioned in 2028.
Pakistan and IAEA Sign Safeguards Agreement for Chashma-5
An important development surrounding this year’s IAEA General Conference was the signing of a safeguards agreement covering Chashma Unit-5.
PAEC Chairman Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi signed the agreement at the agency’s headquarters in Vienna.
The IAEA Board of Governors had unanimously approved the safeguards agreement for the project in March 2026.
IAEA safeguards provide verification measures for nuclear material and facilities covered by applicable agreements to confirm that they remain consistent with their declared peaceful purposes.
Once operational, C-5 is expected to provide additional low-carbon electricity to Pakistan’s national grid.
Nuclear Technology Extends Beyond Electricity
Pakistan’s civilian nuclear program is not limited to power generation.
Nuclear science and related technologies are also used in areas such as cancer diagnosis and treatment, agricultural research, crop improvement, food security and management of water resources.
These applications form an important part of Pakistan’s technical cooperation with the IAEA.
The country’s ongoing cooperation framework with the agency identifies several development priorities, including food and agriculture, human health and nutrition, climate change and water-resource management, nuclear power, and radiation and nuclear safety.
Focus on Nuclear Safety and Security
Pakistan has also reiterated its commitment to maintaining international standards for nuclear and radiation safety and nuclear security.
Earlier in September, Dr. Anwar told an IAEA Board of Governors meeting that Pakistan had accumulated around five decades of experience in safely operating nuclear installations.
Pakistani institutions also participate in regional training and capacity-building activities related to nuclear security and safety.
Pakistan Continues Cooperation With IAEA
Pakistan’s participation in the 70th IAEA General Conference reflects the country’s continuing engagement with the international nuclear agency.
With additional nuclear generating capacity under development and civilian applications expanding across healthcare, agriculture and other sectors, nuclear technology is expected to remain part of Pakistan’s broader energy and development strategy.
The country’s cooperation with the IAEA is also expected to continue through safeguards, technical assistance, training and other programs supporting peaceful applications of nuclear science.