The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has officially recognised Pakistan's nuclear security framework as robust, following the completion of its first International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission in the country. The 12-day assessment, which took place between September 28 and October 9 at the request of the Pakistani government, focused on the safety and protection of nuclear materials and associated facilities.
A seven-member delegation, led by former Moroccan regulatory official Khammar Mrabit and including experts from several nations, reviewed Pakistan's legislative and regulatory standards. The team, hosted by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), conducted site visits, including an inspection of the KANUPP Decommissioning Project at the Karachi Nuclear Power Generating Station. According to the IAEA, the country’s security regime benefits from periodic reviews and a strong national capacity-building infrastructure that supports nuclear expertise at both regional and international levels.
IAEA Deputy Director General Karine Herviou noted that the successful completion of the mission highlights Pakistan’s dedication to improving its regulatory and operational standards. She further commended the nation for its efforts in training the nuclear security workforce, describing the impact of these initiatives as far-reaching. PNRA Chairman Zia Hussain Shah stated that the experts' findings provide a constructive baseline for the country to further refine its legal framework and facility-level security protocols.
The mission marked the 112th time the IAEA has conducted an IPPAS evaluation since the program's inception in 1995. While the IAEA offered recommendations to further strengthen existing procedures, it also identified several effective practices already in place. Pakistan, which is a signatory to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, utilized this peer-review process to demonstrate its commitment to international safety guidance.
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