Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology

The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, hosted a roundtable on 17 September 2025 titled “Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology” to explore the transformative potential of nuclear science beyond military applications. The discussion, led by Dr Ansar Pervez, Advisor Nuclear Power at the National Command Authority, focused on three interconnected themes: the mechanics of nuclear technology, its applications across multiple sectors, and the governance frameworks ensuring its safe, ethical, and responsible use.

 

In her opening remarks, Ms Faiza Abid, Research Assistant at CASS, noted that the term “nuclear” is often associated with weapons and deterrence, overshadowing its broader societal contributions. She emphasised that nuclear science represents one of humanity’s most transformative achievements when applied to medicine, agriculture, energy, water management, and environmental protection. Nuclear techniques save lives through early cancer detection and treatment, enhance food security by improving crop yields, and provide clean, reliable energy amid climate change and rising demand. She cautioned that such benefits require robust regulation, transparency, and public trust, echoing the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAES) call for “Atoms for Peace and Development.”

 

Dr Pervez began by explaining the physics underlying nuclear applications, observing that while many appreciate nuclear energy’s contributions to power generation and medicine, few understand the atomic principles that make these applications possible. He emphasised the importance of public awareness, noting that fear of radiation is often amplified by memories of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and nuclear accidents, despite strict regulation ensuring safety. Using the 2011 Fukushima disaster as a case study, Dr Pervez illustrated how natural catastrophes, rather than reactor design, trigger crises.

 

The speaker explained fundamental atomic concepts, tracing the evolution from early notions of indivisible atoms to the discovery of isotopes, subatomic particles, and nuclear forces. Additionally, he outlined radiation safety by comparing natural sources, including cosmic rays, radon, and terrestrial elements, with controlled artificial exposures from medical imaging and nuclear plants. He further explained nuclear reactions, including uranium fission, fusion, and chain reactions, highlighting that controlled fission powers energy generation, while super-critical reactions underpin weapons.

 

Dr Pervez highlighted Pakistan’s peaceful nuclear applications, emphasising their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In healthcare, nuclear techniques are widely used for diagnostics and therapy, particularly in oncology and thyroid-related disorders. Radiation therapy and isotope-based treatments are applied in over 20 nuclear medicine centres nationwide, treating more than 1.2 million patients annually.

 

In agriculture, radiation aids crop improvement through mutation breeding, enhancing yield, nutrition, and resistance to pests and diseases. PAEC institutes, including NIFA, NIAB, NIA, and NIBGE, have developed over 150 crop varieties, supporting food security and generating export revenue. Dr Pervez emphasised the importance of continuous research to sustain these advantages. Nuclear techniques also support industry and water management, enabling non-destructive testing of critical infrastructure, sterilisation of medical equipment, and detection of explosives or radioactive materials at airports, seaports, and borders.

 

The Speaker highlighted how Pakistan’s nuclear power programme has evolved from KANUPP to Chashma units (C-1 to C-4) and Karachi’s K-2 and K-3 reactors, collectively providing 3,530 MW of low-carbon electricity. Nuclear generation is highly cost-efficient at Rs. 16 per kWh, significantly lower than fossil fuel alternatives, and contributes to climate mitigation by reducing CO₂ emissions. The country’s Nuclear Power Vision 2050 aims to reach 40,000 MW capacity through phased expansion, balancing energy demand, renewable integration, and grid efficiency. Research and isotope production further demonstrate domestic capability.

 

Dr Pervez emphasised that governance and regulation are critical for safe and responsible nuclear use. The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), established in 2001, provides independent oversight of reactors, radioactive material, and radiation applications, ensuring compliance with legal standards and international best practices. The dual-use nature of nuclear fission is managed through robust safeguards. Pakistan voluntarily places all civilian reactors under IAEA oversight while maintaining military facilities outside, aligning with international norms. Dr Pervez also referenced treaties including the NPT, CTBT, FMCT, and CPPNM, which promote non-proliferation, safety, and responsible management of fissile material.

 

The interactive session posed critical questions regarding the accessibility and cost of cancer treatment, public perceptions of nuclear technology, dual-use concerns, radiation effects, and nuclear weapon efficiency. Dr Ansar Pervez responded by clarifying that high cancer treatment costs stem from socio-cultural factors, late detection, and the expense of chemotherapy rather than the feasibility of nuclear technology. He illustrated these points with personal experience, explained the technical nuances of radiation therapy, and emphasised early detection. Addressing nuclear taboos, he highlighted the need for effective communication, education, and public engagement to reduce fear and improve understanding. On dual-use technology, he stressed the balance between transparency and security, while clarifying misconceptions about radiation, nuclear fusion, and weapon yields. The session concluded with a consensus that informed public discourse, robust communication, regulatory oversight, and technical education are essential to harness nuclear technology safely, responsibly, and for the socio-economic benefit of Pakistan.

 

In his concluding remarks, the President of CASS, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), stated that nuclear science, long viewed mainly through the lens of military power, is fundamentally a driver of social and economic progress. He highlighted its three dimensions: the science of the atom, its civilian applications, and governance to ensure responsible use. While the principles that release nuclear energy may appear technical, they underpin every peaceful application, from electricity generation to healthcare, and are essential for fostering innovation, responsibility, and public confidence.

 

President CASS emphasised that nuclear technology already provides tangible benefits in Pakistan, including accurate diagnostics and cancer treatment in medicine, food preservation and crop protection in agriculture, and clean, reliable electricity to support sustainable growth. He stressed that governance, covering nuclear security, safety, and safeguards, is the foundation of trust, ensuring the programme is safe, secure, and globally respected. The lessons were clear: broaden national discourse beyond deterrence, invest in research, innovation, and human capital, and strengthen collaboration among universities, industries, regulators, and research institutions to build a robust civilian nuclear ecosystem. The President stressed that the peaceful atom is a living reality in Pakistan, and using its potential responsibly is both an opportunity and an obligation, promising progress, security, and human welfare for future generations.