May 28th 1998 is one of the most important days not only in the history of Pakistan but also of the South Asian region and the world as well. It is a day when the Pakistani nation showed the world that it is a force to be reckoned with, a force united, powerful and enduring, a force that would not fade away or buckle under threats of aggression or coerciveness. It is a day that marks Pakistan’s resolve to exist in the world with a capability that safeguards its sovereignty and self-respect. It is a day that marks the culmination of years of research and development, of hundreds of scientists and technicians of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in the development of this capability.
Though the Pakistani people are aware of and acknowledge the work of PAEC in the strategic domain, they are not as familiar with the work that the Commission is rendering in various domains to strengthen the human security aspects as well. These include agriculture and biotechnology, medical sciences-especially cancer treatment, human resource development through various educational institutes and centres, engineering and manufacturing and power generation.
The work of PAEC is not only ensuring home-grown solutions for various socio-economic challenges in the country, but are also helping the country in achieving its international commitments as underlined by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations in 2015.
As Pakistan’s population and industries grow, so do the country’s energy requirements. The PAEC through it five operational and two under construction nuclear power plants is providing the national grid with safe and reliable energy and envisions to produce forty thousand megawatts by the year 2040. The PAEC’s nuclear education centres are training scientists, engineers and technicians for the smooth, safe and secure operations of these power plants. PAEC by the virtue of its highly trained and motivated personnel has an unblemished nuclear safety record that is a source of great pride for the Commission and the country.
Similarly the PAEC is engaged in constant research and development to ensure food security in the country. Pakistan being an agrarian country relies on its crops to not only feed its own populace but also earn foreign exchange through the export of these products.
The PAEC’s agriculture centres across the country are developing crop varieties and techniques to make crops that are more resistant to pests, disease, adverse climatic conditions while also ensuring higher yields.
Apart from genetic engineering these centres are also providing training and equipment such as laser land levellers and chemical-less pest control options to better prepare and utilize farming land, preserve the environment and achieve greater crop yields.
PAEC through its various engineering and manufacturing facilities is also involved in collaboration with international scientific organizations such as CERN, where it has provided equipment that form critical component of the Large Hadron Collider. Apart from these components, PAEC’s scientist and technicians are also involved in the various research activities at CERN.
Another important aspect of PAEC is the operation of eighteen cancer hospitals throughout Pakistan with one under construction. PAEC is not only involved in the treatment of cancer patients but also produces diagnostic kits, offer radiological treatments as well. PAEC cancer hospitals offer treatment at nominal or in deserving cases free of charge.
PAEC General Hospitals have also been on the frontline in the current COVID-19 pandemic. These hospitals are providing accurate and fast testing, quarantine and isolation facilities as well as treatment to those infected. The IAEA has provided PAEC with a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine, biohazard safety cabinets, test kits and related paraphernalia to help contain the pandemic through the use of nuclear derived techniques. During these trying times, PAEC has also provided conspicuous amounts of hand sanitizers and disinfectants to various authorities to curtail the spread of the disease. PAEC’s medical staff is working day and night to contain the disease with utmost dedication and diligence.
PAEC continues to flourish and achieve milestones in various aspects of nuclear science and technology. Being the flag-bearer of nuclear science and technology in Pakistan, the PAEC will continue to play a pivotal role in not only human security issues but in non-traditional security challenges as well. It is an organization that truly is Committed In Service of the Nation.
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission: Committed in service of the nation
