ISLAMABAD: Pakistan was again elected to the board of governors of the 62nd session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for two years on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.
The IAEA is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. With its headquarters in Vienna, the IAEA reports to both the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.
The agency’s programs encourage intergovernmental cooperation in the development of peaceful applications of nuclear energy, science and technology, provide international safeguards against the misuse of nuclear technology and nuclear materials, and promote nuclear safety (including radiation protection) and nuclear security standards and their implementation.
Scientists and engineers from Pakistan have contributed to the agency’s work in various fields, including in nuclear safety and security.
Earlier this year, IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano visited Pakistan where he met with then prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Pakistan is currently building two new reactors near Karachi, which will have a combined capacity of more than 2000 MW of electricity. The two reactors are expected to be completed by 2021 and 2022.
According to the press release, Pakistan has been elected 19 times to the board of governors, “which is a recognition of (its) long-standing commitment to the aims and objectives of the IAEA in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy as well as its positive contribution to the formulation of IAEA’s policies and programs.”
Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Muhammad Naeem led the Pakistani delegation to Vienna, Austria, where the IAEA election was held.
In the past, Pakistan has also hosted IAEA-sponsored events for national as well as regional capacity-building for peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Pakistan is a founding member of the IAEA and enjoys a mutually beneficial collaboration with the agency on peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Pakistan elected to top atomic energy agency’s board of governors
Pakistan elected to top atomic energy agency’s board of governors
- Pakistan is one of 11 members elected to the board of governors
- Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Muhammad Naeem led his country’s delegation to Vienna, Austria
Islamabad rebuts claims of Pakistan being used as base for possible US strike on Iran
- Pakistan information ministry attributes the ‘reckless’ claims to ‘Afghanistan and Indian X accounts’
- ’Blame-pushing narrative tries to drag Pakistan into a US-Iran conflict without any evidence,’ it adds
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday refuted reports claiming that its territory could be used as a base for a possible US military strike on Iran, calling the claims a “reckless” attempt to drag Pakistani into a US-Iran conflict.
The Pakistan information ministry’s fact check account on X attributed the claims to “propaganda machineries Afghanistan and Indian X accounts,” identifying handles that claimed the US has moved aerial refueling (KC-135R) and surveillance aircraft to Pakistan.
The ministry said X accounts, @KHoorasanM_U1, @RealBababanaras and @AFGDefense, claimed these US aircraft are conducting unusual flights toward or into Iranian airspace and that Pakistan is being used as a base to support US stealth fighters (F-35/F-22) in a possible military strike on Iran.
Citing Reuters and Washington Post, the information ministry noted that while US refueling aircraft movements have been reported, but they were mostly linked to Europe, and there is no credible proof of any US aircraft based in Pakistan or any operational flights to Iran for a possible strike.
“This is a reckless, blame-pushing narrative that tries to drag Pakistan into a US-Iran conflict without any verifiable evidence,” the information ministry said on its fact check account on X, urging people not to share sensational military stories from “propaganda pages.”
“For national security and defense matters, rely only on ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations), MoIB (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting), MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and reputable defense outlets.”
The development comes amid weeks of public unrest in Iran over worsening economic conditions and a government crackdown on protesters.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 572 people have been killed, including 503 protesters and 69 members of security forces. It said more than 10,600 people have been detained over the two weeks of protests.
The group relies on supporters in Iran cross-checking information, AP reported.
With the Internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. Iran’s government has not offered overall casualty figures.
US President Donald Trump last week threatened to intervene militarily if Tehran continued to kill protesters. He said late Sunday his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran but cautioned that he may have to act before then as reports of deaths mount and the government continues to arrest protesters.
“Iran called, they want to negotiate,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One.
Iran did not acknowledge Trump’s comments immediately. It has previously warned the US military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if America uses force to protect demonstrators.
Separately, China said it opposes foreign “interference” in other countries.
“We always oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news conference on Monday, when asked about Trump’s comments. “We call on all parties to do more things conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East.”
