Islamabad, March 4, 2026: The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has unanimously approved the Safeguards Agreement between the IAEA and Pakistan for the application of safeguards at Unit 5 of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, marking a major milestone for Pakistan’s civil nuclear energy programme.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, the approval reflects the international community’s continued confidence in Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and its strict adherence to global non-proliferation norms and safeguards obligations.
Chashma Unit 5 (C-5), a pressurised water reactor with a gross generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts electric (MW(e)), is expected to become operational by 2030. Once completed, the new unit will provide a significant addition of low-carbon electricity to the national grid, strengthening Pakistan’s energy security while supporting its climate objectives and sustainable economic growth.
Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 3,530 MW(e). Officials noted that these plants achieve an average capacity factor of over 90 percent, reflecting a strong operational performance. Over the past year, nuclear energy contributed 18.3 percent of Pakistan’s total electricity generation and accounted for 34 percent of the country’s low-carbon power output.
With more than 100 reactor-years of operational experience, Pakistan has maintained a solid record of safe, secure and fully safeguarded nuclear power operations, in line with internationally accepted standards.
The Foreign Office described the IAEA’s approval as an important step forward for Pakistan’s clean energy transition and reaffirmed the country’s resolve to continue engaging constructively with international nuclear regulatory frameworks.
