IAEA safeguards deal for Chashma-5 nuclear power plant secured
• 1,200MW reactor’s dome placed early; commissioning set for 2028 • Talks held with China on N-cooperation ISLAMABAD: The International Atomic Energy Agency and Pakistan on Wednesday signed a safeguards agreement for the 1,200-megawatt Chashma-5 nuclear power plant to bolster the country’s energy security while ensuring international non-proliferation standards. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Raja Ali Raza Anwar signed the pact at the agency’s headquarters in Vienna. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 70th IAEA General Conference. Shan Zhongde, chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, witnessed the ceremony. The agreement, which governs the application of safeguards at Unit-5 of the Chashma plant, was unanimously approved by the IAEA Board of Governors in March. According to a statement on the signing, the agreement marks a critical step toward implementing safeguards for the new facility. Officials noted that it reflects the international community’s continued confidence in Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and its adherence to global non-proliferation obligations. Construction
