IAEA chief lauds Pakistan’s efforts to combat cancer through nuclear technology

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has commended Pakistan’s efforts to combat cancer through the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), highlighting its nationwide network of 21 cancer hospitals and trained professionals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on Wednesday, sharing a video of the IAEA chief.

“Pakistan remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the IAEA across all areas of its mandate—particularly the #RaysOfHope initiative—to further enhance facilities  such as KINOR and expand access to life-saving radiotherapy and diagnostic services,” the MoFA said.

Grossi said more than 100,000 people in Pakistan die of cancer each year and worldwide the number has surpassed 10 million and things are getting worse.

“This is why we have launched IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, procuring physiotherapy machines conducting life-saving research and providing training and education across the world,” he said.

Civil N-energy: IAEA DG recognises Pakistan’s steady progress

The government of Pakistan is tackling the cancer challenge too, he said, adding that the PAEC has established 21 cancer hospitals in the country and trained a fleet of professionals.

“I congratulate Pakistan for establishment of latest institute of nuclear managing oncology and therapy chemo,” he said.

During his visit to Pakistan, the IAEA chief said he and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed how to widen the IAEA and Pakistan’s cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Pakistan’s peaceful nuclear programme received recognition in September from the IAEA director general, who acknowledged the country’s steady progress and close cooperation with the agency.

In a social media message following his meeting with PAEC Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar, on the sidelines of the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Grossi had highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in expanding its civil nuclear energy capacity.

He had observed that Pakistan’s nuclear power programme was advancing “at a good pace,” particularly with the ongoing construction of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-5 (C-5).