This is in apropos of a press statement issued by Pakistan Peace Coalition (PPC) on the eve of first anniversary of the nuclear emergency, captioned “PPC calls for halt to pursuit of nuclear energy” (Mar 11). The conglomeration of peace groups lamented the incident of the discharge of radioactive waste into the environment from Japan’s Fukushima-Daiichi and Fukushima-Daini power stations. As a peace-loving citizen, I fully endorse the views offered in the article, barring few exceptions. The PPC’s criticism of Pakistan’s effort to use its nuclear capacity for power generation is unjustified and totally uncalled for.
Although, none of the world’s 435 nuclear reactors are immune to human errors that could cause an accident, yet its utility for peaceful purposes cannot be denied. Unfortunately, the conventional sources of generation of power within the country, hydro and fossil fuels, are limited and will not meet the power demands of a growing economy on a longer-term basis.
Pakistan has therefore to look to other sources of power generation and nuclear energy offers the most attractive alternative as a major source to fill the gap between demand and supply. Currently, Pakistan is generating a nominal 3.8 percent of its total installed capacity of 19,252 MW, as compared to France 77.1 percent, Belgium 54 percent, Korea 34.6 percent, Switzerland 40.9 percent, UK 15.7 percent and US 19.3 percent.
The apprehensions aired by PPC are certainly a motivated campaign against Pakistan’s nuclear programme. Pakistan’s nuclear assets are safe and not even a single incident has been observed since past 35 years, which can be a proof of our inability to safeguard our atomic arsenal.
Following Japan’s nuclear crisis, a number of countries decided to revamp their nuclear programmes. But, their assertions and assurances though appear to be promising but end up into a lip-service by the respective governments e.g., India is currently pursuing the installation of another seven reactors, in addition to 20 nuclear reactors operating in six nuclear power plants.
Similarly, Japan is maintaining one of the largest nuclear programmes in the world. Non-proliferation has over time become increasingly discriminatory and a vehicle for the powerful to pressurise states they consider “unreliable”. The US and Japan have adopted a dual approach on the nuclear issue, opposing Pakistan’s nuclear programme and accommodating Indian nuclear programme. In this context, it is strongly urged that the US and Japan should treat Pakistan on an equal footing in terms of nuclear assistance so as to address electricity issue so vital for its crippling economy.
IMRAN SAEED
Gujranwala
