Pakistan has provided unprecedented transparency and security measures for its nuclear programme. Addressing the “International Seminar on Nuclear Safety and Security challenges of the 21st century” organized by PNRA in collaboration with IAEA here on Thursday at National Center for Physics (NCP), Director of Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs (ACDA) at Strategic Planning Division Khalid Benori said that Pakistan is very conscious about the safety of its nuclear programme and significant steps had been taken in this regard.
“Pakistan is confident of it but will remain persistent and never complacent about its nuclear safety,” he added. Pakistan is always continuing to review its security measures in this connection.
The ACDA director said the nuclear society in Pakistan is far developed as compared to the remaining segments of societies in the country. He said that the society is well-aware, well-organized and equipped with technologies.
On this occasion, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) DG Muhammad Iqbal briefed the session about the security measures in Pakistan since 1950s. He said that in 1964, Pakistan Nuclear Safety Committee was constituted and in 1970 a Nuclear Safety and Licensing Division was formed. He mentioned a long history in this connection. He said that PNRA was established in 2001 for ensuring safeguards and regularizations of nuclear facilities. Iqbal said Pakistan has formed 13 regulations that are at par with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards. He said that PNRA has also increased in strength from 35 professionals to 200.
He said that Pakistan has National Security Action Plan. To a question he said that Pakistani nuclear facilities are safe of any possible tsunami. Meanwhile, speakers on this occasion also shed light on nuclear energy scenario. They said that only 3 percent energy in Pakistan comes from atomic source and the remaining it gains from hydel-power, oil and gas.
Earlier, PNRA chairman in his welcome address highlighted the significance of nuclear safety and security in the world. The chairman expressed his gratitude to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its co-operation and support in organizing this seminar.The seminar that was inaugurated on Thursday would continue for three days.
