CISS Insight Journal

Transformative Role of Nuclear Technologies in the Healthcare System of Pakistan

Shazia Fatima — 2025-06-30

Nuclear technology and techniques have become the foundation of modern medicine, revolutionizing the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various pathologies and disease processes. The healthcare sector in Pakistan has also witnessed transformative developments, especially in the fields of oncology, cardiology, and neurology, among others, contributing directly to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3). Pakistan, from the outset, has continued to invest in healthcare facilities and developed a comprehensive network of 51 nuclear medicine facilities and 49 oncology centers, including 19 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals (AECHs). These centers offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic services, including hybrid imaging with Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT), conventional gamma cameras, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) mammography, and radiation treatment with teletherapy machines like linear accelerators, gamma and cyberknife, brachytherapy units as well as trailblazing theragnostic technologies. The production of indigenous radiopharmaceuticals, radioisotopes, and in-house cyclotron-based isotopes production has upgraded nuclear medicine facilities, including hospitals and diagnostic centers, by promoting self-reliance and reducing healthcare costs. In this regard, the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) ensures safety and standardization across these facilities through its regulatory framework and legislation. Although Pakistan has successfully established a comprehensive infrastructure of healthcare facilities using nuclear techniques, these facilities, primarily concentrated in major cities, are insufficient for its 250 million population. To overcome this challenge, there is a need for continued capacity building through infrastructure development, human resource training, and enhanced local isotope production. This article discusses Pakistan’s historical developments in the field of healthcare, its current infrastructure, socioeconomic impact, and strategic direction of nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. This article further highlights the transformative role of nuclear technologies in improving public health outcomes and national healthcare resilience.

Leveraging Space Science and Technology for Climate-Induced Disaster Management in Pakistan

Ibrar ul Hassan Akhtar — 2025-06-30

The frequency and severity of climate-related disasters, such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and glacier melt, are on the rise and pose serious threats to vulnerable countries. Due to warming temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and glacier melting, Pakistan is facing increased risks to its agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, and human security. This paper discusses how space science and technology can play a pivotal role in improving Pakistan’s ability to deal with climate-led disasters. It also examines the institutional arrangements, technological tools, and national politics that facilitate the integration of Earth Observation (EO), satellite remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and early warning systems. Efforts of Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), its collaborations with national and international agencies, satellite programs like Remote Sensing Satellite System (PRSS) and Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite - Earth Observation 1 (PRSC-EO), as well as its contribution to research initiatives like the Space Application Center for Response in Emergency and Disaster (SACRED) and the Natural Catastrophe Modelling (NatCat) initiative are discussed in detail in this study. Drawing on international best practices from countries such as China, Japan, and the United States, this paper examines how emerging technologies like big data analytics, Machine Learning (ML), and high-performance computing are transforming disaster management. While Pakistan has made significant progress in this area, it still faces major challenges, including a lack of satellite infrastructure, inadequate funding, poor inter-agency coordination, and difficulties with last-mile data application. The paper concludes that with continued investment, improved institutional cooperation, and capacity-building efforts, Pakistan can effectively leverage space-based solutions to enhance climate resilience and reduce disaster risks.

The Role of Nuclear Energy in Pakistan’s Low-Carbon Future

Huma Rehman — 2025-06-30

Pakistan faces significant energy challenges, including rising energy demand and excessive reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and increased climate vulnerability. To address these issues, Pakistan should shift toward a sustainable and viable low-carbon future by diversifying its energy mix through the integration of clean energy sources. Nuclear energy, with its low-carbon footprint and high energy density, offers a viable solution to meet baseload electricity demand while reducing emissions. This article discusses the theoretical framework for nuclear energy in a low-carbon future. It examines the prospects of nuclear energy in Pakistan’s energy transition by analyzing current nuclear power generation capacity, future expansion plans, and policy frameworks. The paper evaluates the economic, environmental, and security aspects of nuclear power compared to renewables such as solar and wind. Additionally, it addresses important challenges, including high capital costs, nuclear waste management, and public perception, while highlighting developments in nuclear reactor technology and exploring opportunities for international cooperation. The findings suggest that the peaceful use of nuclear energy, alongside renewables, can significantly contribute to decarbonization while enhancing energy security and promoting sustainable development. Strategic investments, regulatory reforms, and public engagement are essential to realizing this potential.

Bridging the Gap

Sitara Noor — 2025-06-30

Nuclear science has played a transformative role in shaping societies, policies, and technologies for over a century. As the world turns to nuclear energy as a key solution to climate change and sustainable development, the nuclear sector should embrace an innovative, diverse, and inclusive workforce. The trailblazing journeys of pioneering women in nuclear science offer a powerful context for understanding women as bridge builders in a historically male-dominated field. Their groundbreaking work in nuclear and medical physics laid the foundations for modern innovations. While highlighting the contributions of pioneering female figures, this study aims to shed light on the structural dynamics that continue to influence women’s participation in the nuclear sector. The paper also offers a way forward to promote inclusivity and equity through proposed changes at the grassroots level.

Collaboration in Nuclear Science and Technology

Noreen Iftakhar — 2025-06-30

A nuclear regulator cannot be complacent due to the peculiar nature of its job. The regulator continuously strives to be the best and a role model for others. However, this persistent striving for excellence requires several factors. Among these factors, the most important is the collaboration with its peers and other organizations at the international level, in the sharing of knowledge, information, feedback, experience, and capacity building. Pakistan, being the pioneer member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has a long history of cooperation with the international community. Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) was established in 2001 as the national nuclear regulatory authority, in compliance with the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) - through the promulgation of PNRA Ordinance, i.e., Ordinance III of 2001. It was assigned the responsibility to regulate all nuclear installations, radiation facilities, and associated activities in Pakistan for the protection of workers, the general public, and the environment. PNRA, like other international Regulatory Bodies (RBs) in the nuclear domain, has developed mechanisms for international collaboration to bring its performance and processes at par with the international standards. PNRA regularly participates in global nuclear forums and bilateral as well as multilateral arrangements, assigns experts to participate in international activities, and also presents itself for peer review. Despite these efforts, Pakistan faces certain challenges related to international cooperation. Alongside, PNRA also faces several complications while achieving its mission and vision. These primarily include limited access to codes and standards for ensuring nuclear safety, technology denials, and international emphasis on Pakistan’s defense initiatives, which sometimes limits the visibility of its efforts and achievements in the peaceful applications of nuclear technology. Against this backdrop, this paper offers two sets of proposals to overcome these challenges, both at the regulatory and policy level.

Assessment of Nuclear Safety and Security Regime of Pakistan

Tariq Majeed — 2025-06-30

As global interest in nuclear energy grows, particularly for low-carbon power generation, medical innovation, and agricultural resilience, establishing a robust nuclear safety and security regime is essential for ensuring the peaceful and responsible use of nuclear technology. This paper offers a comprehensive assessment of Pakistan’s nuclear safety and security regime within the broader context of its peaceful nuclear program. A founding member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and an early supporter of the “Atoms for Peace” initiative, Pakistan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology by developing a dual-focused regulatory framework that separately addresses nuclear safety and nuclear security. This study analyzes the evolution, legal foundations, institutional mechanisms, and regulatory infrastructure of Pakistan’s national regime, highlighting its adherence to IAEA safety standards, international legal instruments, and voluntary codes of conduct. Drawing from Pakistan’s practical experience, the paper examines the peaceful applications of nuclear technology across five key sectors: energy, healthcare, research and education, agriculture, and industry. It further explores the role of the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), the structure and enforcement of licensing and oversight mechanisms, and the integration of safety and security culture. Special attention is given to human capacity building, radioactive waste management, transport safety, emergency preparedness, and international cooperation— a key dimension that shape Pakistan’s proactive engagement with global nuclear governance. The analysis concludes by positioning Pakistan’s nuclear safety and security regime as a responsible, transparent, and internationally aligned framework that contributes not only to national development but also to the strengthening of global nuclear norms.

CISS Insight Complete Journal

CISS — 2025-07-01

CISS Insight Journal of Strategic Studies, Summer 2025

Nuclear Law

Maryam Siddiq Baba — 2025-07-01

The book Nuclear Law: The Global Debate is a significant and timely addition to the literature on nuclear governance. Rooted in the discussions of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) First International Conference on Nuclear Law in 2022, this edited volume, compiled by the IAEA, is thematically organized to underscore the agency’s pivotal role and the multifaceted nature of the legal frameworks governing nuclear activities worldwide. The book presents a thoughtfully assembled collection of essays that explore the current and future challenges of nuclear law in a rapidly evolving technological and geopolitical context.

The Technological and Economic Future of Nuclear Power

Khalil ur Rahman — 2025-07-01

This book is edited by Reinhard Haas, Lutz Mez, and Amela Ajanovic, with contributions from various researchers and analysts in the areas of the economics of nuclear power, the legal and political aspects of sustainable energy, climate policies, and technical challenges. The book provides a comprehensive discussion and analysis of the technical and economic factors hindering the renaissance of nuclear power. It is divided into seven themes, covering a range of aspects that include nuclear power history, economics, legislation, technical issues, nuclear waste and proliferation, major accidents, and alternatives.

Sabre Rattling in Space

Anum A. Khan — 2025-07-01

The importance of outer space needs no emphasis, as it is discernible from competition amongst space powers. Meanwhile, the weaponization of global commons, especially outer space, vis-à-vis space securitization, is now debated in space policy discourse. Furthermore, space securitization is viewed through the prism of “Access to Space,” which is critical to the military and economic security of the “Nation States.” In this domain, Sabre-rattling in Space: A South Asian Perspective, co-authored by Ahmad Khan and Eligar Sadeh, is a timely book that articulates various subjects relevant to regional and global security. Khan has completed his PhD from the Department of Strategic Studies, National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad. Sadeh is a former space scientist at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He has also served at the United States (US) Air Force Academy, Lockheed Martin, and the University of Colorado, US. This joint academic endeavor is the first-ever book written by a Pakistani and an American scholar on a highly important subject. This book is published by the Springer and comprises nine chapters and a conclusion.

Nuclear Arms Control in South Asia

Dr Anum Riaz — 2025-07-01

The book “Nuclear Arms Control in South Asia: Politics, Postures, and Practices,” authored by Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, PhD, is a scholarly study of the complicated dynamics of nuclear arms control in South Asia. The author is a Professor and Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations (SPIR) at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad. The book is organized into three sections, i.e., Politics, Postures, and Practices. The structured approach deployed in this volume provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing the intricate interplay of political motivations, strategic postures, and practical measures within the theoretical context that shapes South Asia’s nuclear environment.