by Adnan Arif
Vienna, Austria –The Pakistan-IAEA Partnership for 2026–2031 was signed on Wednesday during the IAEA General Conference in Vienna. The agreement marks a renewed phase of strategic collaboration aimed at advancing peaceful nuclear cooperation across key sectors.. It marked a renewed phase of strategic collaboration.
Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan. In parallel, Mr. Hua Liu, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, represented the IAEA.
As outlined in the CPF, Pakistan has identified national priorities where nuclear science and technology will support socio-economic development. The Framework builds on decades of cooperation. It also aligns with Pakistan’s domestic development agenda and global obligations, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, the CPF spans three Technical Cooperation cycles. It focuses on five key areas: food and agriculture, human health and nutrition, climate change and water resource management, nuclear power, and radiation and nuclear safety.
In the agricultural sector, nuclear techniques will improve crop yields, enhance pest control, strengthen livestock health, and ensure food safety. Since agriculture contributes nearly a quarter of Pakistan’s GDP and employs more than one-third of its workforce, these interventions are essential. Furthermore, Pakistan’s participation in the IAEA’s Atoms4Food initiative underscores its commitment to food security and climate-resilient farming.
With regard to healthcare, Pakistan faces a growing burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases. Consequently, the CPF will expand cooperation in nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, medical physics, and radiopharmaceuticals. Pakistan’s network of 20 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals currently serves over a million patients each year. Under the new framework, these hospitals will receive advanced therapies, precision diagnostics, and locally produced radiopharmaceuticals. As a result, treatment will become more affordable and accessible.
In terms of environmental sustainability, Pakistan remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries. Due to severe water scarcity and increasingly erratic weather patterns, the CPF prioritizes nuclear techniques—particularly isotope hydrology—to monitor water resources and improve irrigation efficiency. Additionally, the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), an IAEA Collaborating Centre, will lead efforts to implement these technologies.
Turning to energy, nuclear power contributes over 18 percent of Pakistan’s electricity generation. The country operates six nuclear plants and is building another at Chashma. Accordingly, the CPF emphasizes plant life management, waste handling, non-destructive testing, and safe decommissioning. These measures will enhance energy security and help Pakistan meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2030.
Equally important, the Framework focuses on nuclear safety and regulatory oversight. The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) will improve emergency preparedness, radioactive waste disposal, safe transport of nuclear materials, and the use of artificial intelligence in regulation. Through these efforts, Pakistan aims to protect workers, safeguard the public, and preserve the environment. It will also maintain compliance with international safety standards.
Importantly, the CPF reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to gender equality in science and technology. By promoting women’s participation in nuclear fields and ensuring equitable access to peaceful nuclear applications, Pakistan seeks to foster inclusive growth.
During the signing ceremony, Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to peaceful nuclear advancement. “The signing of this Country Programme Framework reaffirms Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. With the support of the IAEA, Pakistan will continue to harness these tools to address food security, improve healthcare, strengthen energy security, and safeguard our environment. We are determined to ensure that the benefits of nuclear technology reach every segment of society.”
In response, Mr. Hua Liu welcomed Pakistan’s strong engagement. He described the CPF as a shared vision for sustainable development through peaceful nuclear cooperation.
Ultimately, the CPF 2026–2031 stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between Pakistan and the IAEA. By reinforcing mutual goals and expanding technical collaboration, both parties aim to unlock the full potential of nuclear science for inclusive and sustainable progress.
