Pakistan Signs Safeguards Agreement with IAEA for Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5

On Tuesday, September 15, during the 70th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and the IAEA formally signed the Safeguards Agreement for Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5) at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna. The agreement had been unanimously approved at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in March 2026.

The signing of this agreement marks an important step forward in the safeguards work for the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 project, and also reflects the international community's continued confidence in Pakistan's commitment to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and its fulfillment of international non-proliferation and safeguards obligations.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, PAEC Chairman Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi jointly signed the agreement, with Shan Zhongde, Director of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), witnessing the signing ceremony.

Currently, construction of Chashma Unit 5 is progressing smoothly, with several important milestones already achieved, including the early completion of the containment dome lifting. As a nuclear power unit with an installed capacity of 1,200 megawatts (electric), C-5 is scheduled to be completed and put into operation in 2028. Once completed, the project will deliver large amounts of low-carbon, low-cost electricity to Pakistan's national grid, supporting the country's energy security, climate goals, and sustainable economic development.

Currently, Pakistan operates a total of 6 nuclear power units with a combined installed capacity of 3,530 megawatts (electric), maintaining an average load factor above 90% over the long term. Pakistan has accumulated more than 100 reactor-years of nuclear power operation experience and has consistently maintained a good safety and safeguards record in line with international standards.

Prior to the signing of the agreement, delegations from China and Pakistan held bilateral talks to conduct in-depth exchanges on existing and future cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. The Pakistani delegation was led by PAEC Chairman Dr. Anwar, and the Chinese delegation was led by Director Shan Zhongde. Mohammad Kamran Akhtar Malik, Pakistan's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the IAEA, participated in the talks. In addition, Chairman Anwar was invited to deliver keynote speeches at two high-level side events co-hosted by the China Atomic Energy Authority, China's Permanent Mission in Vienna, and leading Chinese nuclear science application enterprises.