UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called for equitable and non-discriminatory access to peaceful nuclear technology, emphasising its importance for clean energy, healthcare, agriculture and sustainable development, particularly in developing countries.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Friday during a discussion on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, Syed Atif Raza, Counsellor at Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN, reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to the safe and peaceful application of nuclear science.
He said barriers to civilian nuclear cooperation should be removed to ensure that developing countries can benefit from technological advancements while fulfilling their international non-proliferation obligations.
“The removal of barriers for gaining equitable and non-discriminatory access to civil nuclear cooperation is of fundamental importance,” Raza said.
Clean energy contribution
The Pakistani diplomat highlighted the country’s experience in nuclear power generation, noting that its six operational nuclear reactors, all under IAEA safeguards, meet approximately 20 per cent of national electricity requirements.
He added that nuclear power accounts for around one-third of Pakistan’s low-carbon electricity generation, underscoring its contribution to the country’s energy mix.
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Raza also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the IAEA, dating back to 1957, and its contributions to technical training, capacity-building and nuclear safety.
He said Pakistan continued to advance peaceful nuclear applications in healthcare, water management, food production, agriculture and human resource development.
Dialogue and cooperation
On nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation, Raza stressed that outstanding concerns should be addressed through the IAEA’s established technical mechanisms rather than political confrontation.
He called for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy while respecting international legal obligations and safeguarding regional and global peace.
The Pakistani representative also cautioned against rhetoric and actions that could heighten tensions, emphasising constructive engagement among countries.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the IAEA, Raza said Islamabad remained ready to strengthen cooperation with the agency and other member states to expand the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and advance shared development goals.
