IAEA Chief Strengthens Nuclear Cooperation with Pakistan, Highlights Progress in Energy, Healthcare, and Agriculture

A major highlight of Mr. Grossi's visit was the inauguration of construction work for Unit 5 at the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, located 250 kilometers south of Islamabad.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi concluded a productive two-day visit to Pakistan, reinforcing the country’s longstanding collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

During his visit, Mr. Grossi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, discussing enhanced cooperation in nuclear technology for energy, healthcare, and agriculture. The Prime Minister’s Office reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening its partnership with the IAEA, highlighting the country's advancements in nuclear power generation, industrial development, and healthcare.

Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Expansion

A major highlight of Mr. Grossi's visit was the inauguration of construction work for Unit 5 at the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, located 250 kilometers south of Islamabad. Currently, the site operates four CNP-300 reactors, contributing to around 17% of Pakistan's electricity output. The new unit will bolster Pakistan’s energy security and support its climate change mitigation goals. Additionally, Mr. Grossi inaugurated a new radioactive waste incinerator to improve waste management capabilities.

Advancing Cancer Care with IAEA Support

In Lahore, Mr. Grossi visited the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL), where he inaugurated upgraded facilities, including an advanced cyclotron for producing radiopharmaceuticals used in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Supported by the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme since 2019, INMOL and the Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre in Abbottabad are pivotal in producing novel radiopharmaceuticals for theranostic procedures.

Promoting Women in Nuclear Science Mr. Grossi attended an international conference organized by Women in Nuclear Pakistan at the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), promoting opportunities for women in nuclear science and emerging technologies. The event underscored PNRA’s commitment to global emergency preparedness, having hosted the IAEA ConvEx nuclear safety exercise in 2024.

Innovations in Agriculture and Food Security Mr. Grossi highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in agricultural advancements through nuclear technology, developed at the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB). With IAEA and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) support, Pakistani scientists have created climate-resilient crops, sustainable cotton varieties, and solutions to combat soil salinization, contributing to food security.

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Delivering a keynote at the National University of Science and Technology, Mr. Grossi emphasized the IAEA’s contributions to Pakistan's progress in healthcare, agriculture, and clean energy, reinforcing the role of nuclear technology in achieving sustainable development goals.

The visit marks another milestone in the deepening collaboration between the IAEA and Pakistan, with a shared vision of using nuclear technology to address global challenges.