Vienna, 25 September 2023 (WAI): At the Session of the 67th General Conference (67th-GC) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, Chairman of PAEC, led Pakistan’s delegation. The conference is taking place at the IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
In his remarks at the 67th GC, the Chairman emphasized that Pakistan values its cooperation with the Agency and is dedicated to strengthening that partnership by supporting the Agency’s function, as stated in its slogan, “atoms for peace and development.”
The speaker praised the Agency’s sustained assistance to member nations in their efforts to tackle development problems via safe, secure, and long-term applications of nuclear research.
He also emphasized that global concerns necessitate global solutions, citing Pakistan as one of the most susceptible countries to climate change.
He underlined that nuclear power is regarded in Pakistan as a readily available, reliable, and clean energy source and a component of the answer to the climate issue.
During the 67th GC, while admitting that Pakistan has benefited from the Agency’s help, the Chairman stated that Pakistan is using nuclear science and technology well in sectors such as human health, food and agriculture, power production, industry, and environmental protection.
He further stated that Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi’s visit to Pakistan earlier this year offered additional momentum to improve Pakistan and the Agency’s mutually beneficial and decades-long relationship. Also, the Chairman emphasized that nuclear technology for human health is a national priority for Pakistan.
He stated that the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission now operates 19 cancer hospitals essential in delivering quality care to more than 80% of the country’s cancer patients. Furthermore, he said nuclear technology was being used to improve food security and agricultural output.
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Pakistan now has four agricultural and biotechnology centers, including the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), an IAEA collaborating center, and part of the Agency’s ZODIAC laboratory network.
He also mentioned that, in a significant breakthrough, NIAB has successfully manufactured colored cotton and Pakistan is presently preparing for large-scale production.
The GC is a body of delegates from the IAEA Member States that gather regularly, generally in September, to discuss and approve the IAEA’s budget and other matters brought by the Board of Governors, the Director General, and the Member States.
An International Relations graduate, with a keen interest in diverse areas of IR; diplomacy, global politics & human rights.
