Pakistan's Nuclear Security: IAEA's First Advisory Mission Yields Positive Results

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has completed its first advisory mission in Pakistan, recognizing the country's strong nuclear security measures. Over a 12-day period, the IAEA team assessed the regulatory framework and physical protection protocols at a nuclear facility, noting significant improvements and ongoing capacity-building efforts. This mission underscores Pakistan's commitment to enhancing its nuclear security regime, with recommendations for further strengthening its practices. The findings will serve as a foundation for future enhancements in legal and regulatory frameworks, reflecting Pakistan's dedication to maintaining a robust nuclear security environment.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 10, 2026, 14:13 IST

IAEA's Assessment of Pakistan's Nuclear Security

Islamabad: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recognized Pakistan's strong nuclear security framework following its inaugural physical protection advisory mission to the nation.

A team of seven IAEA experts wrapped up a 12-day International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission on Friday, which took place from September 28 to October 9 at the request of the Pakistani authorities.

The mission, organized by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), evaluated the legislative and regulatory structures governing nuclear security and examined the physical protection protocols at a nuclear site.

According to the IAEA, the team observed that Pakistan has implemented a solid nuclear security regime effectively at the facility they visited.

The agency noted that this regime is subject to continuous enhancement through regular evaluations, and Pakistan's infrastructure for capacity building plays a significant role in fostering nuclear security expertise at various levels.

During their visit, the team engaged with officials from the PNRA, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, and other relevant stakeholders, and they toured the KANUPP Decommissioning Project at the Karachi Nuclear Power Generating Station.

Pakistan's first nuclear power facility, the Canadian Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor, commenced operations in 1971 and was permanently decommissioned in 2021. Experts observed the ongoing decommissioning processes and spent-fuel management at the site.

The mission was led by Khammar Mrabit, a former director general of the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security, and included specialists from China, Romania, Russia, and Slovakia, along with two IAEA staff members.

The IAEA reported that the team provided recommendations to further enhance Pakistan's nuclear security measures and identified several commendable practices at both regulatory and facility levels.

The successful completion of the first IPPAS mission in Pakistan highlights the country's dedication to improving the regulatory and operational facets of its established nuclear security framework, according to IAEA Deputy Director General Karine Herviou.

She praised Pakistan's efforts in developing the skills of its nuclear security workforce, emphasizing the significant impact of these initiatives.

PNRA Chairman Zia Hussain Shah remarked that hosting the mission reflects Pakistan's commitment to a robust nuclear security regime, and the experts' insights will serve as a foundation for enhancing its legal and regulatory structures and facility practices.

This mission marks the 112th IPPAS operation conducted by the IAEA since the program's inception in 1995.

IPPAS missions support nations in fortifying their nuclear security frameworks by offering peer advice on the implementation of international standards and IAEA guidelines for safeguarding nuclear and radioactive materials and associated facilities.

Pakistan is a signatory to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and ratified its 2005 Amendment in 2016.