- Fifth Country Programme Framework (2026–2031) inked in Vienna to focus on food security, healthcare, climate resilience, and energy
- Pakistan reaffirms peaceful use of nuclear science for SDGs, saying nuclear power contributes 18% to national grid while more plants underway
- IAEA to assist in waste management, safety, and AI-based regulation
VIENNA/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday signed the fifth Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2026–2031 on the sidelines of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
The agreement was signed by Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, the statement said.
The CPF sets out Pakistan’s national priorities where nuclear science and technology will support socio-economic development. Building on decades of cooperation, it aligns with Pakistan’s development agenda and international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Covering three Technical Cooperation cycles, the framework identifies five priority areas: food and agriculture, human health and nutrition, climate change and water resource management, nuclear power, and radiation and nuclear safety, it added.
Agriculture and food security
Agriculture, which contributes nearly one-fourth of Pakistan’s GDP and employs over one-third of the workforce, will be a central focus. Nuclear techniques will be applied to improve crop yields, pest control, livestock health, and food safety. Pakistan’s participation in the IAEA’s Atoms4Food initiative underscores its commitment to food security and climate-resilient farming.
Health and medical care
With rising cases of cancer and non-communicable diseases, healthcare remains a priority. Under the CPF, Pakistan will enhance cooperation with the IAEA in nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, medical physics, and radiopharmaceuticals. The country’s 20 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals (AECHs), which already serve over a million patients annually, will be further strengthened with advanced therapies, precision diagnostics, and affordable locally produced radiopharmaceuticals.
Climate and water management
Pakistan, among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, faces acute water scarcity and unpredictable weather patterns. Nuclear techniques such as isotope hydrology will be used to monitor water resources, improve irrigation efficiency, and strengthen climate resilience. The Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), an IAEA Collaborating Centre, will be central in applying these methods.
Energy security
Nuclear power currently contributes more than 18 percent of Pakistan’s electricity generation, with six operational plants and another under construction at Chashma. The CPF prioritises plant life management, waste management, non-destructive testing, and safe decommissioning—key to ensuring long-term energy security and meeting Pakistan’s 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Nuclear safety
The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) will continue strengthening oversight of nuclear activities. With IAEA assistance, Pakistan will enhance emergency preparedness, radioactive waste management, safe transport, and the application of artificial intelligence in regulation. These measures aim to protect workers, the public, and the environment, while ensuring adherence to global safety standards.
Commitment to inclusivity
Across all sectors, the CPF underscores Pakistan’s focus on gender equality, encouraging women’s participation in science and equitable access to nuclear technology benefits.
On the occasion, PAEC Chairman Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar said, “The signing of this Country Programme Framework reaffirms Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. With IAEA’s support, 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.”
IAEA Deputy DG Hua Liu welcomed Pakistan’s engagement, describing the CPF as a “shared vision for sustainable development through peaceful nuclear cooperation.”
The CPF 2026–2031 reflects the enduring partnership between Pakistan and the IAEA and is expected to further strengthen the country’s socio-economic development while reinforcing its role as a responsible member of the global nuclear community.
