• Appreciates Islamabad’s active engagement in training, socio-economic applications
• Pakistan pledges to continue regional cooperation under IAEA frameworks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s peaceful nuclear programme has received recognition from the director-general of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, who acknowledged the country’s steady progress and close cooperation with the agency.

In a social media message, IAEA chief observed that Pakis­tan’s nuclear power programme is advancing “at a good pace”, particularly with the ongoing construction of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-5 (C-5).

He recalled witnessing the first concrete pouring at the site in February 2025, describing it as a major milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen energy se­­curity through clean and sustainable nuclear power, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) said in a statement on Saturday.

Referring to his meeting with PAEC Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar held on the sidelines of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Mr Grossi highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in expa­nding its civil nuclear energy capacity.

During the meeting, the IAEA chief and PAEC chairman reviewed areas of cooperation under various agency initiatives, including Atoms4Food, which applies nuclear technology to improve crop yields, food safety and pest control, and Rays of Hope, which aims to expand access to nuclear medicine and radiotherapy for cancer care across the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr Grossi appreciated Pakistan’s active engagement with IAEA, particularly in capacity-building, training and the application of nuclear knowledge for socio-economic development.

He noted that Pakistan remains an important partner in the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.

The PAEC chairman reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful applications of nuclear technology, in line with national development priorities and IAEA frameworks. He underlined that Pakistan’s nuclear power plants operate under the highest safety standards and contribute significantly to the energy mix by providing reliable, low-carbon electricity.

He added that PAEC’s activi-ties are closely aligned with the IAEA’s vision of promoting nuclear technology for peace, health and prosperity.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss Pakis­tan’s contributions to regional initiatives under the IAEA, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, where Pakistani expertise in nuclear applications is being sha­red with other member states.

Pakistan reiterated its resolve to continue working with the IAEA and member states to advance peaceful nuclear cooperation, sustainable development and improved quality of life for people across the region.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2025