The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Pakistan on Wednesday signed a safeguards agreement for the 1,200-megawatt Chashma-5 nuclear power plant, aimed at supporting the country’s energy security while ensuring compliance with international nuclear non-proliferation standards.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Chairman Raja Ali Raza Anwar signed the agreement at the agency’s headquarters in Vienna on the sidelines of the IAEA’s 70th General Conference.
China Atomic Energy Authority Chairman Shan Zhongde witnessed the signing ceremony.
The agreement sets out the framework for applying IAEA safeguards to Unit-5 of the Chashma nuclear power complex. The IAEA Board of Governors unanimously approved the agreement in March.
According to an official statement, the signing represents an important step towards implementing safeguards at the new nuclear facility.
Officials said the agreement reflects international confidence in Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and its compliance with global non-proliferation obligations.
Construction of the Chashma-5 facility is progressing, with the early placement of the reactor dome among the project’s recent milestones.
The plant is scheduled to begin operations in 2028 and is expected to provide a significant source of low-carbon and relatively low-cost electricity to Pakistan’s national grid. The project is also expected to contribute to the country’s climate and sustainable development objectives.
Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 3,530 megawatts. According to the PAEC, the facilities have maintained an average capacity factor of more than 90 per cent.
Officials said Pakistan has accumulated more than 100 reactor-years of operational experience and maintained a record of safe, secure and safeguarded nuclear operations in accordance with international standards.
Before the signing ceremony, Pakistani and Chinese delegations held talks on ongoing and future cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
Anwar led the Pakistani delegation, while Zhongde headed the Chinese delegation. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the IAEA Mohammad Kamran Akhtar Malik also attended the bilateral discussions.
