IAEA Says Pakistan Has Strong Nuclear Security System After First Review Mission

The International Atomic Energy Agency says Pakistan has set up a strong nuclear security system to protect nuclear materials and sites. A team of seven members from the agency finished a 12-day visit to the country on Friday. The Pakistani government asked for this review, which ran from September 28 to October 9 and was hosted by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

Review and Visits

The IAEA team checked the country's laws and rules for nuclear security and looked at safety measures at a nuclear site. They met officials from the regulatory authority, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, and other groups. The team also visited the Karachi Nuclear Power Generating Station to look at the KANUPP Decommissioning Project. Pakistan built its first nuclear power plant there in 1971 using a Canadian reactor, and the plant was shut down in 2021.

Leadership and Future Steps

Khammar Mrabit led the mission with experts from China, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, and the IAEA. IAEA Deputy Director General Karine Herviou praised Pakistan for helping train workers in nuclear security. Regulatory authority chairman Zia Hussain Shah stated that hosting the visit shows the country wants to keep its nuclear security strong. The IAEA also gave suggestions and advice to help improve safety practices further.

Context

The International Atomic Energy Agency is a global organization that works to promote safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology. The agency regularly sends advisory missions to member countries to review physical protection measures and share best practices. Pakistan has been part of international agreements on the physical protection of nuclear material for years.