Farhan Qureshi 
Pakistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have signed a Pakistan IAEA agreement for Unit-5 of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, marking an important development in the country’s growing civilian nuclear energy program. The agreement was signed in Vienna on the sidelines of the 70th IAEA General Conference, bringing Chashma-5 one step closer to the next stage of implementation.
The agreement was signed at the agency’s headquarters by Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, Shan Zhongde, attended the ceremony, emphasising the wider partnership of the project.
Chashma-5 To Add 1,200 MW Power
The Chashma-5 is being constructed at a fast pace and has attained several major milestones. Completion of the dome placement of the plant is an important milestone and reflects continued momentum in the construction program ahead of the planned commissioning schedule.
C-5 has a net installed capacity of 1,200 MW(e) and is scheduled to be commissioned in 2028. The unit is expected to become a major new source of electricity for Pakistan’s national grid once it starts generating power, and to strengthen the role of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix.
Pakistan’s Nuclear Power Program Has Changed Over Time
It was stated that Pakistan currently has six nuclear power plants with an aggregate installed capacity of 3,530 MW(e) at the time of signing. These facilities have provided an average capacity factor of more than 90 per cent, a testament to ongoing power generation from the existing nuclear fleet.
It also has over 100 reactor years of operational experience. This record is an important part of Pakistan’s case for continuing development of civilian nuclear power, particularly concerning operational safety, security and safeguards.
IAEA Safeguards Provide International Monitoring
The significance of the safeguards agreement is that IAEA safeguards are meant to supplement the verification of peaceful nuclear activities. Such arrangements are part of the international system to ensure that safeguarded nuclear material and facilities are used for declared peaceful purposes.
In the case of Chashma-5, the agreement sets out the safeguards framework for the new unit; and the signing comes after the Board of Governors approved the arrangements earlier in 2026 and represents a step forward in the implementation of the agreed-upon verification arrangements.
China Plays Key Role In Chashma-5 Cooperation
The presence of China at the safeguards signing is a reflection of the importance of Pakistan-China cooperation in the development of C-5. Senior representatives of Pakistan, the IAEA and Shan Zhongde, Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, were present to witness the ceremony.
On the sidelines of the conference, Pakistan and China also held a bilateral meeting to discuss ongoing and future cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. The dialogues reveal that collaboration is not only about building individual power units.
Pakistan’s Low-Carbon Power Ambitions Supported By Nuclear Energy
The Chashma-5 is expected to contribute not only in terms of additional generation of electricity. The project is intended to provide low-carbon power, and nuclear energy is a key element in Pakistan’s efforts to reconcile the growing demand for electricity with environmental and climate concerns.
Pakistan faces the dual challenge of expanding the availability of electricity while also dealing with the environmental impact of energy production. Nuclear power can help meet this goal, because the generation of electricity from operating reactors does not entail direct carbon emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels.
Pakistan Showcases Experience In Safe Nuclear Operations
Pakistan’s experience of over 100 reactor years of operation provides a well-established basis for the expansion of its nuclear power program. High average capacity factors have been achieved by existing nuclear plants operating under national and international safety and safeguards arrangements.
Operational experience can contribute to the building of the technical expertise of engineers, scientists, operators and regulators. With the construction of more nuclear units and the increased dependence of the national electricity system on nuclear generation, this expertise will be of growing importance.
Chashma-5 To Enhance Pakistan’s Energy Security
Pakistan’s electricity sector needs dependable generation capacity to power households, businesses, and industry; once commissioned, C-5 is expected to provide a substantial and reliable amount of electricity, potentially bolstering the national grid and supporting long-term energy planning.
Nuclear plants can generate continuously for long periods of operation, reducing dependence on fuel markets that can experience large price swings; hence, raising the domestic generation capacity can help make energy planning more predictable.
The project could also help to drive sustainable economic growth by providing electricity to support industry and key services. For sectors such as manufacturing, technology, healthcare and infrastructure, reliable energy supplies are especially valuable.
Pakistan, IAEA Sign Agreement; Important Project Milestone
The signing of the safeguards agreement is a big milestone in the development of Chashma-5. With the agreement now approved by the IAEA Board of Governors and formally signed, the project has moved forward in its international safeguards framework.
The 1,200 MW(e) unit, scheduled to be commissioned in 2028, could significantly increase Pakistan’s nuclear generation capacity, and the project is part of a broader strategy to increase electricity availability through reliable low-carbon generation and the country’s operational experience.
The agreement also highlights the necessity of international cooperation in Pakistan’s civilian nuclear program, and engagement with the IAEA provides a well-established safeguards regime, and cooperation with China continues to support the development of peaceful nuclear energy and technical cooperation.
