IAEA completes first nuclear security review mission to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD  –  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) yesterday concluded its International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission to Pakistan, acknowledging the country’s sustained commitment to nuclear security and its constructive cooperation throughout the review process. The mission,l was undertaken at the invitation of the Government of Pakistan and hosted by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), in close coordination with the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and other relevant national organisations, the Foreign Office said.

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The international expert team reviewed Pakistan’s national legal and regulatory framework governing nuclear security and examined the practical implementation of relevant security arrangements, the FO added. As part of the mission, the team also visited the KANUPP Decommissioning Project, covering the former Karachi Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1 (KANUPP-1). At the conclusion of the review, the IAEA mission team expressed appreciation for the cooperation, transparency and professionalism demonstrated by Pakistan throughout the process. The mission team leader described the engagement as rewarding, noting that the experts had closely examined Pakistan’s nuclear security regime and its practical application. The IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security also welcomed the successful completion of the agency’s first IPPAS mission to Pakistan, saying the exercise reflected the country’s commitment to further strengthening the regulatory and operational aspects of its established nuclear security regime.

The agency also acknowledged Pakistan’s continued commitment to nuclear security and its constructive engagement with the international review process.

Welcoming the successful conclusion of the mission, PNRA Chairman said Pakistan accorded the highest priority to the safety and security of its nuclear installations. He said the successful conduct of the review reflected Pakistan’s transparent, responsible and rigorous regulatory oversight, while welcoming the valuable interaction and professional engagement with the IAEA experts. The PNRA chairman reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to contribute its expertise to the global nuclear security architecture and continue promoting international cooperation for the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology for socioeconomic development. The IPPAS is an IAEA peer-review service through which the agency assists member states in strengthening their national nuclear security regimes. It provides independent advice on the implementation of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 Amendment, as well as relevant international good practices.

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The successful completion of the mission provides an opportunity for Pakistan to further strengthen its engagement with the IAEA and international partners on nuclear security, regulatory oversight and the peaceful application of nuclear technology.

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