Pakistan signs major nuclear cooperation agreements in Vienna

Vienna (Web Desk) — A Collaborating Centre Agreement has been formally signed between the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology and the International Atomic Energy Agency, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s engagement with international nuclear health initiatives.

The agreement was signed in Austria by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi on the sidelines of a special event at the United Nations Office in Vienna.

During the ceremony, the IAEA chief presented a commemorative plaque officially designating INMOL as an IAEA Collaborating Centre. The event was witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

On the same occasion, Ishaq Dar signed the UNODC Country Programme for Pakistan (PAKCP4) with Acting Executive Director John Brandolino. The signing, also witnessed by the Prime Minister, marked a key step toward strengthening Pakistan’s partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

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Additionally, Ishaq Dar signed the UNIDO Programme for Country Partnership Pakistan 2026–2030 with Deputy Director General Yuko Yasunaga at the UN Office in Vienna. The agreement reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong engagement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the wider UN system.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later met IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the Vienna International Centre, where he reiterated Pakistan’s firm support for the IAEA’s role in promoting the peaceful and responsible use of nuclear technology.

The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s utilization of nuclear applications in key sectors including cancer diagnosis and treatment, agriculture, nuclear power generation, and industrial development. He noted that Pakistan is not only a beneficiary of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme but also an active contributor through expert support and international training initiatives for IAEA member states.

Rafael Mariano Grossi acknowledged Pakistan’s expertise in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and praised the professionalism of its engineers, scientists, and technicians. He also commended Pakistan’s contributions to nuclear safety and security, stating that the country is well positioned to assist other IAEA member states in the peaceful application of nuclear technologies.