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Islamabad: In a major development for Pakistan’s civil nuclear energy programme, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has unanimously approved the Safeguards Agreement with Pakistan for the application of safeguards at Unit-5 (C-5) of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant.
The approval marks an important milestone and underscores 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.
Chashma Unit-5, a 1,200 megawatt (MW) pressurised water reactor, is expected to become operational by 2030. Once commissioned, the plant will add a significant volume of reliable, low-carbon electricity to the national grid, strengthening Pakistan’s energy security while advancing its climate and sustainable development goals.
At present, Pakistan operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 3,530 MW. These facilities maintain an average capacity factor exceeding 90 percent, reflecting high operational efficiency. Over the past year, nuclear energy contributed 18.3 percent to the national electricity mix and accounted for 34 percent of the country’s total low-carbon electricity generation.
With more than 100 reactor-years of cumulative operational experience, Pakistan has maintained a strong record of safe, secure and fully safeguarded nuclear power generation in accordance with international standards and IAEA guidelines.
The latest approval by the IAEA Board of Governors reinforces Pakistan’s position as a responsible nuclear state committed to transparency, safety and the peaceful application of nuclear technology for socio-economic development.
