The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors has unanimously approved a safeguards agreement with Pakistan for Unit-5 of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, the Foreign Office (FO) announced on Wednesday. The approval underscores the international community’s confidence in Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and adherence to non-proliferation obligations, the FO said in a statement shared by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Chashma Unit-5, with a gross capacity of 1,200 megawatts, is a pressurised water reactor expected to come online by 2030. Once complete, it will supply a significant source of low-carbon electricity to Pakistan’s national grid, bolstering energy security, supporting climate goals, and contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 3,530 MW, contributing about 18.3% to the national electricity mix and 34% of low-carbon energy generation. With more than 100 reactor-years of experience, Pakistan maintains a strong record of safe, secure, and fully safeguarded nuclear operations in line with international norms.