PNRA awards key approvals to boost Pakistan’s indigenous nuclear safety capabilities

PNRA awards key approvals to boost Pakistan’s indigenous nuclear safety capabilities

ISLAMABAD, Jul 24: Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) presented two major regulatory approvals at a ceremony held at its headquarters, strengthening Pakistan’s indigenous capabilities in nuclear engineering and the local supply of radioactive medicines.

PNRA awarded a Design License to the Directorate General of Nuclear Power Engineering (DGNPE), Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), for the design of safety-related systems and equipment used in nuclear installations. The license allows DGNPE to carry out this design work locally, reducing Pakistan’s reliance on foreign suppliers and supporting the long-term sustainability of the country’s nuclear power programme.

PNRA also granted a Design Approval Certificate to Heavy Mechanical Complex-3 (HMC-3), PAEC, for a locally developed Type B(U) transport package, a container built and certified to safely carry radioactive medicines (radiopharmaceuticals).

The certificate paves the way for local manufacturing of these packages, helping ensure a steady and reliable supply of radiopharmaceuticals to hospitals across Pakistan.

Both approvals were granted after DGNPE and HMC-3 went through detailed technical reviews, site inspections, and licensing assessments carried out in line with national regulations and international safety standards.

Speaking at the ceremony, PNRA Chairman Mr. Zia Hussain Shah said “The approvals reflect Pakistan’s growing technical capabilities and show that the licensees comply with the national regulatory framework which ensures safety and security in line with the international safety and security standards for peaceful uses of nuclear energy. He added that PNRA remains committed to enabling the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology for national development while ensuring protection of workers, public and environment”.

The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority is the national body responsible for controlling, regulating and supervising all matters related to nuclear safety and radiation protection in the country