Dr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is on a two-day official visit to Pakistan, where he attended key events related to nuclear science and technology.
The visit focused on furthering Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, empowering women in the field, and reinforcing the country’s partnership with the IAEA.
Key highlights of IAEA chief’s visit to Pakistan
- IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss nuclear technology’s role in healthcare, agriculture, and industry.
- Grossi visited the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) headquarters and met with Chairman Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar.
- He attended the milestone first concrete pouring ceremony for Chashma NPP 5, marking a significant step in Pakistan’s nuclear energy program.
- Grossi inaugurated new facilities at INMOL (Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Oncology Lahore) to enhance radiopharmaceutical production for cancer treatment, benefiting over 1 million patients annually.
- Grossi met with Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) Chairman Mansoor to discuss nuclear safety and security.
- He delivered a seminar at the National University of Science & Technology (NUST) on the transformative impact of nuclear science on healthcare, agriculture, and energy.
- Grossi attended the Women in Nuclear event, advocating for greater female participation in the nuclear science and technology fields.
Pakistan PM meets IAEA Director General
On Wednesday, Grossi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House, where they discussed the peaceful applications of nuclear technology in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, water management, and industry. The Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging nuclear technology for sustainable development and the mitigation of climate change.
“Pakistan has long been a constructive partner of the IAEA, contributing to advancements in nuclear power, healthcare, and agriculture,” said PM Shehbaz. He reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to enhancing collaboration with the IAEA to maximize the benefits of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.
Grossi praised Pakistan’s commitment, stating, “The IAEA will continue to work with Pakistan in the same spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit.”
Earlier in the day, Grossi also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The meeting centered on the role of nuclear energy in climate change mitigation and adaptation, alongside discussions on IAEA’s ongoing projects in Pakistan.
Both sides explored new opportunities for collaboration, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to advancing nuclear science and its alignment with global efforts to tackle climate challenges
IAEA strengthens ties with Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
Grossi also visited the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) headquarters, where he met with PAEC Chairman Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar and other commission members.
They discussed the promotion of nuclear science and technology in Pakistan, with a focus on the IAEA’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” program. The program has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s nuclear achievements, particularly in peaceful applications.Dr. Grossi praised PAEC’s ongoing efforts and their role in advancing nuclear technology in Pakistan, a key partner in the IAEA’s global initiatives.
Grossi praises Women in Nuclear Science at WiN Pakistan event
Later in the day, Grossi attended the Women in Nuclear (WiN) event, organized by the WiN Pakistan Chapter, which operates under the IAEA’s WiN initiative. The event focused on the empowerment of women in the nuclear science and technology fields.
Grossi commended the progress made in Pakistan, noting that the IAEA had successfully doubled the share of women in its workforce over the past five years.
“Nuclear sciences have played an important role in the field of health, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer,” Grossi said, highlighting the significant contributions of women in nuclear science in Pakistan. “Women are advancing their careers in all crucial fields, including nuclear science and technology, which is highly encouraging.”
Seminar on Nuclear Science and Technology at NUST
In another key event, Grossi attended a seminar on Nuclear Science and Technology at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad, organized by the Strategic Vision Institute (SVI). The seminar focused on how nuclear techniques are transforming sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and power generation to drive Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
Addressing the audience, Grossi emphasized the critical role of nuclear science and technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s long-standing partnership with the IAEA was vital for harnessing nuclear energy for the benefit of humanity.
“The positive use of nuclear technology is imperative for international development and the well-being of humanity,” Grossi added.
Pakistan’s longstanding partnership with the IAEA
Pakistan is one of the largest recipients of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme, which focuses on supporting nuclear energy, health, water resource management, agriculture, and food security. The country has a rich history of collaboration with the IAEA, further solidified by this visit.