IAEA declares Pakistan's nuclear safeguards robust after inaugural IPPAS assessment

The IAEA’s International Physical Protection Advisory Service completed a 12-day, first-ever review of Pakistan’s nuclear safeguards, concluding that the country has a solid physical protection regime for its nuclear materials and facilities. The seven-expert team, headed by Khammar Mrabit and including specialists from China, Romania, Russia, Slovakia and the IAEA, observed the implementation of security measures at a visited site and identified several good practices while recommending tighter rules and procedures.

Officials from the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and other stakeholders were consulted, and the team inspected the Kanupp Decommissioning Project at the Karachi Nuclear Power Generating Station. In a related effort, the PNRA and the IAEA concluded a five-day workshop on commercial-grade item dedication, aimed at ensuring reliable equipment for nuclear installations. Both initiatives underscore Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its nuclear safety and regulatory framework.