ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office said on Wednesday that the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) board of governors has approved a safeguards agreement with Islamabad for a unit of its Chashma nuclear power plant, reflecting the world’s growing confidence in the South Asian country’s commitment to peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Under a safeguards agreement, the IAEA has the right and obligation to ensure that safeguards are applied on all nuclear material in the territory, jurisdiction or control of a state to verify that such material is not diverted to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.
The agreement pertains to Unit 5 of the Chashma nuclear power plant located in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province. The plant will have a gross capacity to generate 1,200 megawatts, with its pressurized water reactor expected to become operational by 2030, the foreign office said.
“This important development reflects the international community’s continued confidence in Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and its adherence to global non-proliferation and safeguards obligations,” the statement said.
It said after completion, the plant’s Unit 5 will provide a substantial source of low-carbon electricity to Pakistan’s national grid, contributing to energy security, climate goals and sustainable economic growth.
Over the past year, nuclear power accounted for 18.3 percent of Pakistan’s national electricity mix and 34 percent of the country’s total low-carbon electricity generation.
Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 3,530 megawatts, the foreign office said.
“With more than 100 reactor-years of operational experience, Pakistan maintains a strong record of safe, secure and fully safeguarded nuclear power operations in line with international standards,” the statement included.
Despite contributing less than one percent to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, Pakistan is ranked among the world’s most vulnerable nations to climate change effects.
Torrential rains and floods in 2022 and 2025 wreaked havoc across the country, killing thousands and inflicting damages of billions of dollars on the country.
