Global Atomic Watchdog Concludes 12-Day Assessment of Pakistan Nuclear Security Framework A seven-member expert team from the International Atomic Energy Agency concluded a 12-day physical protection advisory mission in Pakistan, noting a robust nuclear security regime. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded its first International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission in Pakistan. Conducted from September 28 to October 9 at the request of the Pakistani government, the 12-day mission determined that the country has established a robust nuclear security regime to safeguard nuclear materials and facilities. Comprehensive Review of Legal and Regulatory Frameworks Hosted by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), the mission reviewed Pakistan's legislative and regulatory foundations governing nuclear security, alongside evaluating on-site physical protection arrangements at an active nuclear installation. According to an official statement by the IAEA, the assessment team observed that the nation has instituted a strong physical protection system that is being properly executed across the inspected facilities. The agency noted that regular assessments contribute to continuous enhancements across the system, while Pakistan's capacity-building infrastructure supports nuclear security expertise nationally, regionally, and internationally. Throughout the visit, the international delegates held extensive consultations with officials from the PNRA, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, and other relevant stakeholders. Inspection of Karachi Decommissioning Facility The visiting team conducted an on-site evaluation of the KANUPP decommissioning project situated at the Karachi Nuclear Power Generating Station. As Pakistan's inaugural nuclear energy facility utilizing a Canadian Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor, the plant originally commenced operations in 1971 before being permanently shut down in 2021. International experts inspected ongoing decommissioning operations as well as safety and security protocols surrounding spent-fuel storage at the site. The mission was led by Khammar Mrabit, former Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security. The team comprised technical specialists from China, Romania, Russia, and Slovakia, along with two staff members from the IAEA. Recommendations and Global Compliance Standards Following the review, the advisory team provided concrete recommendations and guidance aimed at further reinforcing Pakistan's nuclear security framework and operational procedures, while also identifying several commendable practices at both regulatory and facility tiers. IAEA Deputy Director General Aline Herviou stated that the successful completion of this maiden IPPAS mission highlights the country's dedication to refining the regulatory and operational dimensions of its established nuclear security architecture. PNRA Chairman Zia Hussain Shah noted that hosting the advisory team reflects a clear commitment to maintaining stringent nuclear safety and security benchmarks. He added that the findings offer a valuable baseline to further consolidate legislative provisions and facility-level operational practices. Established in 1995, this initiative marked the 112th IPPAS mission carried out globally by the IAEA. Pakistan is a state party to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and formally ratified its 2005 amendment in 2016. What this means for you This international assessment provides global clarity on the physical protection standards and radioactive waste management across Pakistan's civil nuclear infrastructure. • Regional Security Impact: Verification of physical protection measures under international oversight mitigates global concerns regarding unauthorized access or illicit trafficking of nuclear materials. It underscores adherence to multilateral non-proliferation and safety protocols. • Energy and Industry Standards: Established protocols for plant decommissioning and spent-fuel management set benchmark practices for upcoming civil energy projects. Incorporating the agency's guidance helps institutionalize rigorous regulatory oversight across facilities. • International Compliance: Participation in peer-reviewed global advisory missions strengthens institutional alignment with multilateral treaties. It reinforces state commitments toward international conventions and periodic technical evaluations. • Public Safety and Environment: Thorough monitoring of spent-fuel storage and decommissioning sites reduces radioactive contamination risks near densely populated coastal and urban zones. Strict facility compliance safeguards local environmental and civilian safety. Why this happened The assessment was initiated following a formal invitation from the Pakistani government to conduct an independent international review of its national nuclear security framework. • Official Government Request: Pakistani authorities requested the IAEA advisory team to review legal, regulatory, and facility-level physical protection systems. This led to the scheduling of the 12-day technical mission spanning September 28 to October 9. • Decommissioning and Waste Storage Oversight: The permanent closure in 2021 of the 1971-era KANUPP reactor in Karachi necessitated international evaluation of ongoing decommissioning steps and spent-fuel containment protocols. Physical safeguards at the site required systematic verification. • Multilateral Treaty Obligations: Pakistan is a signatory to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 amendment. Participating in advisory missions assists state parties in maintaining regulatory alignment with international guidelines. Questions & Answers 1. What mission did the IAEA team conclude in Pakistan? A seven-member IAEA team concluded a 12-day International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission in Pakistan. 2. What were the dates of the advisory mission? The mission took place from September 28 to October 9 following a formal request from the Pakistani government. 3. What was the primary finding of the IAEA assessment? The team determined that Pakistan has established a robust physical protection and nuclear security regime. 4. Which specific facility did the expert delegation inspect? The experts inspected the spent-fuel storage and decommissioning activities at the decommissioned KANUPP reactor in Karachi. 5. Who led the international advisory team? The mission was led by Khammar Mrabit, former Director General of Morocco's nuclear safety and security authority. 6. What is the broader objective of an IPPAS mission? IPPAS missions assist member states in strengthening national physical security systems in alignment with international guidelines. https://trendkia.com/en/asia/pakistan-men-paramanu-pratishthanon-ki-suraksha-vyavastha-ka-12-divasiya-antararashtriya-parikshana-pura-vyavastha-ko-bataya-majab-45846 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.