Chashma-5 nuclear plant: Pakistan, IAEA sign safeguards agreement

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have signed a safeguards agreement for the 1,200-megawatt Chashma-5 nuclear power plant, marking another step towards bringing the project into operation in 2028.

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi signed the agreement.

China Atomic Energy Authority Chairman Zhang Kejian also attended the signing ceremony for the Chashma-5, or C-5, safeguards agreement.

The IAEA Board of Governors had unanimously approved the safeguards agreement for the project in March 2026.

Officials said the agreement reflected international confidence in Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and its adherence to international non-proliferation obligations.

Work on the Chashma-5 nuclear power plant is progressing rapidly, with construction reaching a key milestone after the dome of the reactor building was installed ahead of schedule.

The 1,200MW plant is expected to begin generating electricity in 2028.

Once operational, Chashma-5 is expected to provide affordable, low-carbon and sustainable electricity to Pakistan’s national grid, further expanding the role of nuclear energy in the country’s power generation mix.

Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 3,530MW.

The existing nuclear fleet contributes electricity to the national grid while supporting Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and increase low-carbon power generation.

On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, PAEC Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar also met China Atomic Energy Authority Chairman Zhang Kejian.

The two officials discussed the future of Pakistan-China cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

China has remained a key partner in Pakistan’s civil nuclear energy programme, including the development of the Chashma nuclear power complex.

The Chashma-5 project is expected to become Pakistan’s largest individual nuclear power unit once completed, adding 1,200MW to the country’s nuclear generation capacity.