ISLAMABAD: The board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has unanimously approved an agreement with Pakistan on the application of safeguards at Unit 5 of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said on Wednesday.
The Foreign Office, in a statement, said the approval marked an important step in the development of the new unit at the Chashma site.
“This important development 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 and safeguards obligations,” the statement said.
The statement was shared on social media platform X by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
IAEA approval of Safeguards Agreement for Chashma Unit 5 (C-5) marks a key milestone for Pakistan’s energy future — underscoring global trust in our nuclear safety, security, nonproliferation, and peaceful nuclear program. pic.twitter.com/A44TU7wHjA
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) March 4, 2026
New unit planned for 2030
According to the Foreign Office, Chashma Unit-5 will have a gross capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
The pressurised water reactor is expected to become operational by 2030, the Foreign Office stated.
“Upon completion, the unit will provide a substantial source of low-carbon electricity to Pakistan’s national grid, contributing to energy security, climate goals and sustainable economic growth,” the statement said.
Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 3,530 MW, the Foreign Office statement added.
The country’s nuclear fleet has achieved an average capacity factor exceeding 90 percent, according to the Foreign Office.
“Over the past year, nuclear power accounted for 18.3pc of the national electricity mix and 34pc of total low-carbon electricity generation,” it said.
“With more than 100 reactor-years of operational experience, Pakistan maintains a strong record of safe, secure and fully safeguarded nuclear power operations in line with international standards,” the statement concluded.
In his post on X, Dar said the approval “marks a key milestone for Pakistan’s energy future — underscoring global trust in our nuclear safety, security, nonproliferation, and peaceful nuclear programme”.
High-level engagement in Vienna
The approval follows a meeting last month in Vienna between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
According to a handout issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the agency’s role in promoting the responsible use of nuclear technology.
During the visit, an agreement was also signed designating the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL) in Lahore as an IAEA collaborating centre.
Grossi said on X that he was honoured to welcome the Pakistani prime minister.
“His visit underscored Pakistan’s commitment to the safe and responsible use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes,” he wrote.
Honored to welcome Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the @IAEAorg today.
His visit underscored Pakistan’s commitment to the safe and responsible use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Proud to designate 🇵🇰’s Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL)… pic.twitter.com/z7jutDxZVv
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) February 16, 2026
At the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, four CNP-300 reactors are currently in operation.
Construction on Unit-5 began recently. Grossi visited the site in February last year.
Director General International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi visited under construction Chashma power plant Unit 5.
He termed Pakistan's nuclear power generation program as "one of the most successful nuclear power generation programs".
Emphasised… pic.twitter.com/Xzu8Yl8Fi9
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 13, 2025
