Pakistan and IAEA Launch Strategic Six-Year Nuclear Cooperation Framework

Pakistan has signed a new six-year Country Programme Framework (CPF) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), marking a major step forward in peaceful nuclear collaboration. The agreement, which spans 2026 to 2031, was formalized during the IAEA General Conference in Vienna by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Chairman Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar and IAEA Deputy Director General Hua Liu.

Five Priority Areas to Drive National Development

The CPF outlines five core areas of cooperation:

  • Food and agriculture
  • Human health and nutrition
  • Climate change and water resource management
  • Nuclear power
  • Radiation and nuclear safety

These priorities align with Pakistan’s national development goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and will be implemented across three IAEA technical cooperation cycles.

Agriculture: Enhancing Crop Yields and Livestock Health

With agriculture contributing nearly 25% to Pakistan’s GDP, the framework promotes nuclear techniques to improve crop productivity, pest control, and livestock health. These innovations aim to boost food security and rural livelihoods.

Healthcare: Expanding Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Services

Pakistan’s 20 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals already serve over one million patients annually. Under the CPF, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology services will be expanded to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment nationwide.

Climate Resilience: Managing Water Resources with Isotope Hydrology

Given Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, the CPF supports the use of isotope hydrology to monitor and manage water resources. This technique will help the country adapt to shifting weather patterns and ensure sustainable water access.

Energy: Strengthening Nuclear Power and Safety Protocols

Nuclear energy currently accounts for over 18% of Pakistan’s electricity generation. The framework emphasizes safe plant operations, waste management, and life-cycle planning to enhance energy security and environmental protection.

A Shared Vision for Sustainable Progress

Dr. Anwar affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear science, stating that the CPF will help address food insecurity, improve healthcare, and safeguard the environment. IAEA’s Hua Liu described the agreement as a “shared vision for sustainable development through peaceful nuclear cooperation”.