Genesis and Contours of Pakistan's Regulatory Regime for Safety of Nuclear Power Plants in Comparison with International Standards

Abstract

Pakistan is the second major producer of nuclear energy in South Asian region and planning to further expand its nuclear power program to meet its growing energy needs. It is a signatory to the international Nuclear Safety Convention and is committed to ensure a high level of safety of its nuclear power plants. Pakistan has established legislative and regulatory framework and an independent regulatory body for regulating nuclear safety and radiation protection to ensure, protection of radiation workers, public, and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation. The regulatory regime evolved according to the needs and expansion in nuclear power program. The purpose of this paper is to examine contours of Pakistan's nuclear safety regime, in comparison with internationally recognized benchmarks as defined under various international Conventions and IAEA Safety Standards.