Vienna (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful and responsible use of nuclear technology.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.
During the discussions, the Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s strong support for the IAEA’s central role in promoting the responsible application of nuclear technology across diverse sectors.
He highlighted its critical contributions in cancer diagnosis and treatment, agricultural development, nuclear power generation, and various industrial applications.
Emphasizing the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the IAEA, the Prime Minister noted that while Pakistan has benefited from the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Program, it has also actively contributed to the IAEA’s work.
He pointed out that Pakistan regularly provides experts for IAEA missions and hosts international training programs for Member States, reflecting the country’s growing capacity and expertise in peaceful nuclear applications.
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Director General Grossi commended Pakistan’s experience and technical proficiency in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
He praised the high quality of Pakistani engineers, scientists, and technicians, particularly acknowledging the country’s contributions in the areas of nuclear safety and security.
Grossi observed that Pakistan is well positioned to support other IAEA Member States in expanding peaceful nuclear applications and capacity building.
The IAEA chief also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s active engagement with the Agency and said he looked forward to the country’s participation in the upcoming Nuclear Energy Summit scheduled to be hosted by France in March 2026.
In a significant development following the meeting, an agreement was signed designating the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL), Lahore, as an IAEA Collaborating Centre.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Director General Grossi signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan and the IAEA, respectively.
The designation of INMOL as a collaborating center marks a milestone in Pakistan’s cooperation with the IAEA and reinforces its role in advancing nuclear medicine, research, and training at the international level.
