Web desk: Chairman of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar, delivered Pakistan’s National Statement at the Plenary Session of the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.
Pakistan welcomes new IAEA members, stresses climate vulnerability
He began by congratulating the newly elected office-bearers of the General Conference and welcomed the Maldives as a new member of the Agency.
He reminded the gathering that Pakistan, despite contributing very little to global emissions, is among the most climate-vulnerable nations.
Peaceful nuclear energy key to Pakistan’s climate commitment
He underlined that the country is fully committed to international efforts aimed at reducing climate risks and has been making notable contributions through peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
Six operational nuclear power plants supplying clean energy
Dr Anwar shared that Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 3,530 MW.
Over the last year, these plants supplied 18.3 per cent of the nation’s electricity and made up 34 per cent of its low-carbon energy, preventing almost 15 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
He said a new 1,200 MW plant, known as C-5, is under construction and is expected to become operational by 2030.
Call for fair access to nuclear technology
He pointed to Pakistan’s record of 108 reactor-years of safe and safeguarded nuclear operations, and stressed the need for equal access to civil nuclear technology, particularly for climate-affected countries.
He also expressed Pakistan’s firm backing for IAEA initiatives such as Atom for Net Zero, Rays of Hope, Atoms for Food, ZODIAC, and NUTEC Plastics, which he said are playing a key role in sustainable growth.
Nuclear hospitals serving majority of cancer patients
Highlighting progress in the health sector, Dr Anwar noted that PAEC runs 20 cancer hospitals across the country, which together provide more than one million procedures each year, treating over 80 per cent of Pakistan’s cancer patients.
NORI, serving as an IAEA Anchor Centre, has trained international fellows under the Rays of Hope programme.
Over 150 crop varieties developed with nuclear research
In agriculture, PAEC research institutes have developed over 150 high-yield and disease-resistant crop varieties, with NIAB contributing significantly to cotton, rice, wheat and chickpea research as part of its work as an IAEA Collaborating Centre.
Pakistan has also been chosen among the first countries to benefit from the IAEA–FAO Atoms for Food initiative.
Nuclear technology applied for water security
On water management, he said Pakistan has applied isotope hydrology to improve groundwater mapping and ensure sustainable use of resources.
PINSTECH, also designated an IAEA Collaborating Centre, is contributing to the Agency’s GloWAL network in this area.
Education and scholarships in nuclear science
In the field of education, PIEAS continues to expand nuclear learning opportunities, offering 20 fully funded scholarships for international students and five under the IAEA Marie Curie Fellowship Programme for 2025–26.
Pakistan maintains high nuclear safety standards
Speaking on nuclear safety and security, Dr Anwar stressed that Pakistan observes the highest standards in line with IAEA guidance.
The independent regulator, PNRA, has recently approved the construction licence for C-5. He also mentioned Pakistan’s first National Radiation Emergency Exercise in 2024, its hosting of ConvEx-2c, and active participation in ConvEx-3 in 2025.
Hosting major IAEA nuclear security events in 2026
The Pakistan Centre of Excellence in Nuclear Security (PCENS), working under a Practical Arrangement with the IAEA, remains central to capacity building at both national and international levels.
Pakistan will also host the IAEA IPPAS Mission and the Nuclear Security Support Centre meeting in 2026.
Pakistan reaffirms commitment to peaceful nuclear use
Concluding his address, Dr Anwar reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to deepen its cooperation with the IAEA and fellow member states, saying the country remains committed to advancing the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology to support sustainable development and tackle the global challenge of climate change.
