Pakistan, IAEA sign safeguards agreement for Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant

In a major development in the history of Pakistan’s nuclear power programme, Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), signed the Safeguards Agreement for Unit-5 (C-5) of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant.

The agreement was signed with Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), at the Agency’s headquarters in Vienna during the IAEA’s 70th General Conference.

Shan Zhongde, Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), also attended the signing ceremony.

The agreement between Pakistan and the IAEA concerning the implementation of safeguards at Unit-5 of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant was unanimously approved by the IAEA Board of Governors during its meeting in March 2026.

The signing marks an important step towards the practical implementation of safeguards for C-5.

The development also reflects the international community’s continued confidence in Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, as well as its adherence to international obligations concerning nuclear non-proliferation and safeguards.

Construction of Chashma-5 is progressing rapidly, with the project having successfully completed several key milestones, including the installation of the reactor building dome ahead of schedule.

Chashma-5 will have a total generating capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW(e)) and is scheduled to begin electricity generation in 2028. Once completed, the unit will add a significant source of low-carbon and low-cost electricity to Pakistan’s national power grid.

The project is expected to help meet the country’s energy requirements, support its climate goals, and contribute to sustainable economic development.

Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 3,530 megawatts (MW(e)). These plants have maintained an average capacity factor of more than 90 percent. Pakistan has extensive and longstanding experience in operating nuclear power plants, with its nuclear reactors collectively accounting for more than 100 years of practical operational experience.

Building on this experience, Pakistan has a record of operating nuclear power plants safely and securely and under IAEA safeguards, in accordance with international standards.

Earlier, a bilateral meeting was also held between delegations from Pakistan and China, during which ongoing and future cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology was discussed.