Key points
- IAEA chief visits Pakistan
- Grossi calls Pakistan’s nuclear programme vibrant
- IAEA DG attends moots
ISLAMABAD: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief on Wednesday supported Pakistan’s quest to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and lauded its vibrant nuclear programme.
“A vibrant nuclear programme like Pakistan’s needs a strong, independent regulator like the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA).
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi was on a two-day official visit to Pakistan to meet key political leaders, visit a nuclear power generation site and attend seminars.
IAEA, the United Nations nuclear watchdog, aims to promote the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology worldwide. Pakistan has collaborated with the agency since 1957 and operates a civil nuclear power programme under IAEA safeguards.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi met PNRA Chairman Faizan Mansoor and hailed PNRA’s key role in safety and security. He also thanked the agency for its excellent collaboration with the IAEA.
“Met Chairman Mansoor on PNRA’s key role in safety and security, thanked for excellent collaboration with IAEA, including hosting ConvEx-2c exercise,” Gorsi said.
A vibrant nuclear programme like 🇵🇰’s needs a strong, independent regulator like the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority.
Met Chairman Mansoor on PNRA’s key role in safety and security, thanked for excellent collaboration with @IAEAorg, including hosting ConvEx-2c exercise. pic.twitter.com/zAeWyOyIy7
— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) February 12, 2025
He also met Pakistan Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif during with the Pakistan PM stressed the need to enhance collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to maximise nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
According to the PM’s office, the premier expressed these views while interacting with the top agency official in Islamabad.
“The PM reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to further strengthening its collaboration with the IAEA to harness the full potential of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes,” the PM office said in a statement.
Voluntary safeguarding
Despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Pakistan has voluntarily safeguarded agreements with the IAEA and works to ensure its nuclear facilities comply with international safety standards.
The PM reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to further strengthening its collaboration with the IAEA to harness the full potential of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.” – Pakistan PM’s office statement
“During the meeting, the peaceful applications of nuclear technology in various sectors including cancer diagnostics and treatment, agriculture, food preservation, water management and industry were discussed.”
“Mutually beneficial partnership”
It added that Sharif praised the UN nuclear watchdog’s efforts in promoting nuclear energy to combat climate change, highlighting Pakistan’s “productive and mutually beneficial partnership” with the IAEA over the decades.
“With the IAEA’s support, Pakistan has made significant progress in nuclear power generation, industrial development, health care, and agricultural advancements, contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth,” the PM office said.
The statement added that Grossi appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and longstanding” engagement with the UN nuclear watchdog, saying the IAEA would continue working with Pakistan in the same spirit.
Pakistan, a member of the IAEA Board of Governors, has been advocating for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), arguing that its nuclear program meets international safeguards standards.
The South Asian country actively participates in IAEA conferences, policy discussions and technical workshops, demonstrating its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
