‘Nuclear technology offers vast benefits for socio-economic development’
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has benefitted immensely towards socio-economic development of the country through peaceful application of nuclear technology in the domains of health, agriculture, nuclear power and problem-specific research.
Member Planning Commission of Pakistan, Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, said this while inaugurating a three-day workshop on "Assessment, Planning & Response jointly organized by PAEC and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) here on Thursday.
Citing the use of nuclear technology towards peaceful applications, he said "PAEC is running 13 Cancer Hospitals, which offer treatment to more than 350,000 patients annually, has evolved more than 50 high-yield crop varieties and is undertaking problem-specific research for support to the industry.
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission has had a pro-active approach in sharing of knowledge with national and international organizations and based upon its technical resources, it has been one of the largest recipients of IAEA technical assistance, Dr. Kauser informed.
He said nuclear technology, despite serving the human kind in a variety of areas, still remains under-utilized and its potential to socio- economic development can be reaped through international liaison and cooperation.
Utilizing the nuclear techniques, PAEC plans to install irradiation plants at Lahore and Karachi to maximize the exports of fruits and vegetables by enhancing their shelf-life. This is the requirement of WTO regime as well, Dr. Kauser stated.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Ansar Parvez, Member, Science, PAEC said "Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission has been an active contributor to IAEA/RCA Regional Project on improving regional capacity for assessment, planning and response to aquatic environmental emergencies. This workshop is a manifestation of this," he added.
Speaking on the occasion, IAEA expert, Ron Szymczak of Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization said "Nuclear technology holds immense promise for peaceful and beneficial contribution to humankind."
Mr. Ron said "Never ever environment has been as much under stress as these days and we must chalk out strategies for its mitigation through effective communication between scientists and policy planners."
Dr. Mustanser Jehangir, Director General PINSTECH and workshop coordinator, Dr. Riffat Mehmood Qureshi presented aims and objectives of the workshop, which is being held at COMSATS Headquarter, Islamabad and being co-sponsored by Pakistan Navy, Small Dams Organization and COMSATS.
The workshop aims at identification of aquatic environmental emergencies and formulating strategies for assessment, planning and response.