Pakistan is taking steps to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by producing more nuclear energy in future, said Dr Ali Raza Anwar, Chairman of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).

Delivering the national statement at the 66th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) annual General Conference (GC), Dr Ali Raza told the world community that Pakistan is one of the top 10 vulnerable countries to face the consequences of climate change. He said that the recent extreme weather events have again brought into light the greatest challenge facing humanity.

“Global issues require global solutions, therefore, close and unrestricted cooperation and access to nuclear power is the need of the hour,” he said, according to a statement received by WealthPK.

The 66th IAEA General Conference is being held in Vienna (Austria) from September 26-30, and the PAEC chairman is heading the Pakistan delegation.

“With the sixth operating nuclear power plant coming on line, the contribution of nuclear in the energy mix has increased to about 15%, and generation of electricity through nuclear power has reached more than 3,500MW. We are striving to achieve more nuclear energy in the future,” he added.

He informed the audience that Pakistan through its association with the IAEA is effectively utilizing nuclear science and technology towards attaining the UN Sustainable Developing Goals (SDGs).

Apart from power generation, Pakistan is actively engaged in the areas of agriculture, health, industry and environment, and reaping benefits of nuclear technology.

Pakistan has expressed its full support to the DG IAEA’s “Rays of the Hope” initiative by offering Pakistan’s expertise and facilities to impart training and sharing best practices with developing countries.

Nuclear technology is playing a key role in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The PAEC has added another hospital to its fleet and now it has 19 cancer hospitals across the country. These hospitals are catering for over one million patients annually.

The PAEC chairman said that Covid-19 pandemic has made the world cognizant of the increasing dangers associated with zoonotic diseases. The IAEA’s ZODIAC initiative aims to facilitate early detection and prevention of future zoonotic outbreaks.

Pakistan looks forward to contributing to the success of this program through its laboratories at the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) and the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad. Dr Ali Raza stated that the PAEC is also participating in activities related to nuclear techniques for the control of plastic pollution (NUTEC Plastic) which is a direct threat to our health.

“We have benefited a great deal from the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation (TC) program. Pakistan-IAEA TC partnership not only strengthens Pakistan's national capacity through TC activities, but also its capabilities and expertise to support other member states by hosting fellowships, scientific visits and training courses/workshops under the auspices of the IAEA,” said the PAEC chairman.

Dr Ali Raza said the IAEA’s initiative of Marie Curie Fellowship program aims at inspiring and supporting young women to pursue a career in the field of nuclear science and technology.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk