Pakistan reaffirms support for IAEA on responsible nuclear use during PM-DG meeting in Vienna

VIENNA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its mandate to promote the responsible and peaceful use of nuclear technology during a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the Vienna International Centre.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the prime minister’s engagements in Vienna and was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch.

The prime minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful applications of nuclear technology in areas including cancer diagnosis and treatment, agriculture, nuclear power generation and industrial development. He noted that Pakistan remains an active participant in the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme and contributes to the agency’s work by providing experts and conducting international training programmes for member states.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan values its longstanding partnership with the IAEA and remains committed to supporting the agency’s objectives related to nuclear safety, security and development.

Director General Grossi acknowledged Pakistan’s technical expertise in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and commended the quality of its engineers, scientists and technicians. He appreciated Pakistan’s contributions in the areas of nuclear safety and security and said the country was well positioned to assist other IAEA member states in advancing peaceful nuclear applications.

He also expressed interest in Pakistan’s active participation in the Nuclear Energy Summit scheduled to be hosted by France in March 2026.

Following the meeting, an agreement was signed designating the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL), Lahore, as an IAEA Collaborating Centre. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Director General Grossi signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan and the IAEA, respectively.

The designation is expected to further strengthen cooperation in nuclear medicine, research and training under the IAEA framework.