Qaisar Mansoor
‘Youm-e-Takbeer’ is being observed to commemorate historic nuclear tests Pakistan conducted on 28 May 1998. Pakistan became the first nuclear power in the Muslim world and seventh in the world.
The nuclear explosions which were conducted in self-defence to respond India’s aggression of nuclear tests have made Pakistan’s defence invincible. On the occasion of 24th nuclear tests ceremony, nation reaffirmed its resolve to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence against any form of aggression.
Pakistan is committed to continue working towards the promotion of environment of peace and stability at the regional and global levels. Pakistan has been actively contributing to international efforts for strengthening global norms on arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament and follows latest international standards on export controls, nuclear safety and security at the national level. After acquiring nuclear weapons capability, Pakistan is ensuring the security of its nation with utmost restraints and responsibility.
Pakistan is making use of peaceful nuclear technology in almost all sectors including energy, agriculture, industry, medical, environment and other related areas to bring prosperity and growth. The nation pays its tribute to the contributions of its scientists, engineers and technicians for the security and development of Pakistan.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in line with its ‘Atoms for Peace and Development’ mandate, supports countries in their efforts to reach the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Many countries use nuclear science and technology to contribute to and meet their development objectives in areas including energy, human health, food production, water management and environmental protection.
Being member of the Board of Governors of IAEA. Pakistan has been utilizing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes since the inception of PAEC, which has contributed immensely in achieving the SDGs.
PAEC has so far established nineteen (19) Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals (AECHs) located in all provinces and major cities of the country while the 20thcancer hospital at Muzaffarabad, AJ&K, is being constructed.
These hospitals are helping the government in catering to the healthcare needs of cancer-affected patients in the country by providing diagnostic and therapeutic facilities.
PAEC-managed-cancer hospitals provide diagnostic and therapeutic facilities to patients at subsidized rates by dint of support from Patient Welfare Society (PWS) of the hospitals and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM).
Nuclear Medicine, Oncology & Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) in Islamabad whereas KIRAN in Karachi and INMOL in Lahore, are among the flagship cancer hospitals being run by the commission. The role of these hospitals in the health sector is commendable as over one million cancer patients get diagnostic and treatment facilities at these hospitals every year.
In the sphere of international cooperation and promotion of the culture of sharing and learning from fellow scientists’ research, PAEC started conducting annual meetings of researchers and scientists in Pakistan.
A brainchild of the Nobel Laureate of Pakistani origin, Dr Abdul Salam, was adopted by then Chairman Muneer Ahmed Khan and his successor Dr Ishfaq Ahmad and all successive chairmen of PAEC.
‘International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC) on Physics and Contemporary Needs’ has been organised every year since 1976, mostly at the scenic hill resort of Nathiagali and for the last few years at National Centre for Physics (NCP) in Islamabad.
So far, 7 Nobel laureates and 41000 scientists, out of which 1000 were foreigners, from 72 countries have participated in the annual springs of scientists in Pakistan to exchange valuable knowledge with their local colleagues and science students.
Pakistan is also among the highest recipients of IAEA’s technical support. Moreover, Pakistan is among the founding members of Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) in Jordan. Contributions of R&D institutes working under the aegis of PAEC, i.e., PINSTECH, PIEAS, CHASCENT, KINPOE, NIBGE, and NIAB are also commendable.
On this special day, the nation owes gratitude to diligent workforce of PAEC who have made lives of people of Pakistan safe from the fear of foreign invasion besides bringing about revolution in multiple sectors of national importance through peaceful use of nuclear technology.
