ISLAMABAD: Director General (DG) of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Welcoming Director General, Prime Minister appreciated ongoing cooperation between IAEA and Pakistan in areas of health, agriculture, industry, nuclear medicine and power generation.

Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s full support for various projects and programmes of Agency and conveyed Pakistan’s keenness to expand its footprints in Agency’s work both as recipient and provider of expertise and technical assistance. Director General Grossi was briefed by Prime Minister about crucial role being played by 19 cancer hospitals being operated by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) which were bearing bulk of cancer burden in Pakistan and offering services to general public at nominal rates.

 Acknowledging Pakistan’s expertise in nuclear applications in various fields Director General noted important role Pakistan can play for supporting Agency’s work including its ‘Ray of Hope’ initiative for cancer treatment. While highlighting impact of climate change on Pakistan and its attendant challenges, such as water, energy and food security, Prime Minister stressed need for greater collaboration with IAEA in terms of research on new high-yield and drought resistant varieties of crops. He noted the contribution of nuclear power generation to Pakistan’s energy mix as cleaner and more affordable source of energy.

IAEA Director General agreed to need for expanding applications of nuclear technology in countries like Pakistan to address whole suite of climate-related challenges. He expressed his appreciation for good work of agricultural research institutions in Pakistan, including NIAB which is one of IAEA Collaborating Centres in Pakistan.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 16 2023

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