Pakistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have signed a safeguards agreement covering Unit-5 of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, marking an important development in the country’s expanding nuclear energy program.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA.
The signing ceremony took place at the IAEA Headquarters on the sidelines of the agency’s 70th General Conference. Shan Zhongde, Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), also witnessed the ceremony.
The safeguards agreement provides the framework for the application of IAEA safeguards at Chashma Unit-5, commonly referred to as C-5.
The IAEA Board of Governors unanimously approved the agreement at its meeting in March 2026. Its signing represents a further step toward implementing the safeguards arrangements for the new nuclear power unit.
The development also reflects Pakistan’s stated commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology and its obligations relating to nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation.
Construction work on Chashma-5 is progressing, with the project reaching several major milestones. One of the notable achievements has been the early completion of the reactor building dome placement.
Chashma-5 is designed to have a gross generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts electric (MW(e)). The nuclear power unit is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2028.
Once completed, C-5 is expected to provide a significant addition to Pakistan’s electricity supply. Nuclear power can provide continuous electricity generation while producing relatively low carbon emissions during operation.
The project is therefore expected to support Pakistan’s broader objectives related to energy security, climate goals and sustainable economic development.
Pakistan already has considerable experience in operating nuclear power facilities. The country currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 3,530 MW(e).
According to the information provided by PAEC, these nuclear facilities have maintained an average capacity factor of more than 90 percent. Pakistan also has more than 100 reactor-years of operational experience.
PAEC says the country’s nuclear power plants have operated with an emphasis on safety, security and safeguards in line with international standards.
The Chashma-5 agreement also highlights the continuing role of international safeguards in Pakistan’s civilian nuclear energy program. Such arrangements provide a framework for the IAEA to apply safeguards to nuclear material and activities covered by an agreement.
Alongside the safeguards signing, Pakistani and Chinese officials held a bilateral meeting to discuss existing and future cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Shan Zhongde. Mohammad Kamran Akhtar Malik, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the IAEA, also attended the meeting.
Pakistan and China have maintained longstanding cooperation in the civilian nuclear energy sector, including the development of nuclear power projects at Chashma.
During his visit, the PAEC chairman also participated as a keynote speaker at two high-level side events organized by the China Atomic Energy Authority, China’s Permanent Mission in Vienna and Chinese organizations involved in nuclear science and applications.
The signing of the safeguards agreement for C-5 comes as Pakistan continues to expand nuclear power as part of its strategy to strengthen electricity generation and diversify its energy mix.
With a planned capacity of 1,200 MW(e), Chashma-5 is expected to become an important component of Pakistan’s future nuclear electricity generation capacity when it is commissioned in 2028.
The agreement with the IAEA marks another key stage in the development of the project and establishes the safeguards framework needed as Pakistan moves toward the future operation of the Chashma-5 nuclear power plant.
