The global non-proliferation regime is subservient to international politics and strategic interests. Pakistan is a candidate for legitimate nuclear commerce and international cooperation. The non-proliferation regime needs to fairly assess the existing security realities in South Asia, and stop unduly targeting Pakistan’s civilian nuclear program. This was the unanimous call of leading policy, technical and academic experts at the one-day workshop on “Civilian Uses of Nuclear Energy in Pakistan: Opportunities and Prospects” organized by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute here in the capital. The speakers discussed the problems facing Pakistan’s civilian nuclear program, its merits and importance, the expansion policy of the program, nuclear diplomacy and the politics of non-proliferation.

Welcoming the participants to the workshop, President of IPRI, Ambassador (R) Sohail Amin said Pakistan takes great pride in the efforts and success of its scientists and engineers in establishing and developing the nuclear program. But he stressed that in order to fulfill the country’s socio-economic goals, international cooperation and assistance for nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards is needed for a level playing field, based on criteria rather than discrimination or real politik. He argued that the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) is better off with Pakistan in it, rather than being left outside. “Pakistan has demonstrated an interest in developing its civilian nuclear sector for energy, medical, agriculture and Research and Development purposes. The Energy Security Action Plan of the Planning Commission of Pakistan envisages increasing the share of nuclear in the total energy mix from 0.67 to 15.11 per cent.” In any case, Pakistan’s potential for both nuclear imports and exports is better than many current NSG member states, he pointed out.

The Chief Guest of the workshop,Dr Samar Mubarakmand, Chairman, Board of Governors, Underground Gasification Project, Thar Coal Fieldsand the Founding Chairman of NESCOM (National Engineering and Scientific Commission), shared that Pakistan’s nuclear program has always been peaceful and there have been various peaceful applications of nuclear technology, including establishment of several nuclear medical centers at Peshawar, Karachi, Quetta and in GilgitBaltistan for diagnosis and treatment of cancer, with two new ones approved for Chitral and Mardan. Agricultural research centers for improvement in crop yields have also done excellent work in KPK, Punjab and Sindh, he said. Radio active tracers were used by WAPDA to construct Mangi Dam in Balochistan. Sand and silt movement studies were conducted to prevent the blockage of shipping channels at Karachi harbour.

Being a non-NPT nuclear weapons state, Pakistan has been embargoed by the international export control cartels such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) making it impossible for Pakistan to obtain even the simplest technologies, let alone nuclear reactors.It goes without saying that it is because of Pakistan’s nuclear scientists and technicians that despite heavy layers of sanctions, Pakistan became a nuclear state through its indigenous capacity, he said. “The relaxation of embargoes by members of the NSG with respect to India as a special dispensation in 2008 under intense US lobbying, and the current efforts to make India a member of NSG is indicative of biased Western psyche and mindset.” Trumpeting that Pakistan has a shady track record of nuclear proliferation towards Iran and Libya lack any merit given how decades have passed and both countries remain non-nuclear states, he opined.

The various civilian plants established and being run are voluntarily open to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)so that the world can see that Pakistan’s civilian nuclear program is not being used for military purposes. Given the highest safety and security in place, no pilferage or theft of nuclear material has ever taken place in Pakistan. Despite massive pressure of terrorism, due to its excellent command and control systems in place, Pakistan’s facilities remain secure. We need to survive in the subcontinent with dignity and being a smaller state, Pakistan restored the balance of power by conducting the nuclear tests, after India. He stressed that while a big opportunity exists between China and Pakistan to acquire experience and expertise in construction of nuclear power plants, he hoped that Pakistan finds the courage and confidence to build its first nuclear power plant completely with its own expertise. Development of nuclear energy is not only curing cancer patients, improving crop yields, helping industries and the economy, it has also helped in avoiding large scale wars in the region, he concluded.

Speaking on ‘Energy Crises and a Story of Success’, Dr Pervez Butt, Former Chairperson of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) recommended the creation of a “National Energy Authority.” He shared that for accelerated economic growth, Pakistan must indigenize, industrialize, build public sector industrial entities to reduce imports and provide economic competition to the private sector. He lamented that even though large-sized, cost-effective and highly efficient multi-unit plants generate economically attractive electricity, they are missing in Pakistan.

He stated that WAPDA and PAEC were both created almost at the same time. PAEC is a multi-faceted, large research, scientific, technological and manufacturing organization. Perhaps because of its incentive-based governance and encouragement of excellence and meritocracy it has out performed WAPDA.He also opined that having a strong independent regulatory authority like PNRA has also helped in ensuring safety, reliability, accountabilityand efficiency.

He clarified that only 42 Canadians worked on theKarachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) site when it was commissioned and constructed, and it continues to operate safely in its 44^th year because of indigenization. “As on 30 June 2015, the nuclear power plants of Pakistan are outperforming others by working at 94.8 per cent. Of the total electricity generation mix of Pakistan, nuclear energy has the potential to reach 5-8 per cent by 2030,” he said. But in order to reach this target, Pakistan needs to implement extensive management reforms by creating financially independent entities in the electricity and energy generation business.

DrRizwanaKarimAbbasi, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Contemporary Studies from the National Defence University, Islambad, spoke on “Pakistan’s Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program and Expansion Policy: A Critical Analysis.”She said that global statistics show that nuclear expansion between 2010 and 2030 will lie largely in the developing regions of the world and not the developed ones.   China is producing 19,050MW at present and aspires to produce 400,000MW by 2050.  India plans to boost its nuclear capacity 15 fold by 2032. Following the progress made on Chashma 2 and 3 and contextually recognizing the need for more energy, Pakistan announced in June 2013 that two 1,000 MW reactors would be installed as K2 and K3 that would be finalized by 2020 and 2021, respectively. “Nuclear power plans might just be Pakistan’s only chance to prevent power starvation and insufficiency on sustainable ground. Nuclear energy indeed offers greater, lower cost environmentally safe source of energy for Pakistan,” she stressed. Deliberating on the international arrangements and institutions that promote and facilitate the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, DrRizwana emphasized that the IAEA, NPT and the NSG require revisions in the backdrop of increased demand for nuclear energy security. “The NPT or NSG cannot become resilient and effective while promoting selective approach to regulate global nuclear commerce. The NSG must urgently address the question of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ by creating balance between non-proliferation and peaceful uses of technology and gateway for new contenders,” she emphasized. “It is high time that the Group members readjust the NSG guidelines to rein in the growing possibilities of vertical and horizontal proliferation globally by setting up a new formula on the principle of energy security for all in the 21^st century,” she argued. She hoped that the Group members would demonstrate responsibility by strengthening the global non-proliferation norm instead of weakening it.

Discussing the “Politics of Non-proliferation and Pakistan’s Civilian Nuclear Program”, DrZafarIqbalCheema, Executive Director of Strategic Vision Institute, Islamabad, argued that the global nuclear norms and practices are subordinate to international politics and the struggle for power. The purpose of NPT was for the member countries to undertake to eliminate nuclear weapons; and that those states which had not produced nuclear arms yet, should be discouraged to create them. DrCheema, while discussing its quest for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG), said that one must keep in mind the national and international dynamics of inclusion of Pakistan in the NSG. “Pakistan has been denied provision of nuclear technologies and its use for peaceful purposes,” he argued.

DrAnsarParvez, Former Chairperson, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), informed the participants that the country began its journey towards proficiency in civilian nuclear energy in 1972, and was forced for its military use following India’s nuclear explosions. The former PAEC chairman said the initial years were utilized in gaining experience in safe operation of plants, building confidence and acquiring technology. The platform, he underscored, is now producing electricity from nuclear sources more efficiently than other traditional plants and sources.Unfortunately, there is lack of sufficient nuclear outreach and awareness in Pakistan.

Mr Kamran Akhtar, Director General, Disarmament Affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that while acting responsibly and fully observing its legal obligations vis-à-vis nuclear non-proliferation, Pakistan should engage in peaceful nuclear commerce and be less restrictive on export of dual usegoods.“We need to develop the mindset of a nuclear power rather than being reluctant about our capabilities in this area”, he urged. The DG also remarked that the Government needs to see whether there is enough money allocated for nuclear energy development under the Planning Commission’s Vision 2025 plan.Pakistan should burnish its nuclear credentials and not shy away from them, he added.

DrImtiaz Ahmed, Director General, International Affairs & Training, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commissiondiscussed how every analytical technique in some way or the other utilizes nuclear technology as the basis, therefore, nuclear data at trace levels is critical. It even has a role in food security, with over 3000 varieties of crops using nuclear technology worldwide. Soil degradation can also be studied and understood through this technology, he said.

Mr Abdul Shakoor, Director Physical Protection and Nuclear Security from the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) outlined that Pakistan has established an effective nuclear safety regime which is in line with the international best practices. The country’s nuclear legislative and regulatory framework is well-established, with strong institutions and systems in place that are responsible for implementation of nuclear-related decision-making and oversight, including the National Command Authority which has a robust structure chaired by Prime Minister.MsSaimaAmanSial, Senior Research Officer from the Center for International and Strategic Studies in Islamabad discussed what Pakistan would gain from becoming an NSG member and the added value it will bring to the NSG, especially since the country’s potential for both nuclear imports and exports is better than many current NSG member states.“NSG needs to be inclusive as per the evolved global nuclear order”, she stressed.

Concluding the workshop, the Chair Air Commodore (R) Khalid Banuri, DG Arms Control Disarmament Affairs from the Strategic Plans Division highlighted that nuclear power is set to become a major player in Pakistan’s power sector, and the work which has been done by the nuclear commissions is nothing less than a miracle. “Every state needs national progress. And for that, uninterrupted supply of energy is crucial – energy which is cost-effective, clean and cheaper.” He agreed that given the nature and extent of its current civilian program and future plans for development, Pakistan is a befitting candidate for legitimate nuclear commerce and international cooperation. Pakistan has signed and adhered to many international conventions by enhancing safety and security of its nuclear material and nuclear sites.The global community needs to recognizethis, he emphasized.Nuclear energy, MrBanuri said, is noncontroversial in Pakistan, and has support of all Pakistani political parties. This is something we should capitalize on. “We should talk more about the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies, including its medical and agricultural aspects, which often get the backseat due to the discussion on nuclear power or military side of the program. The path to Pakistan’s mainstreaming in international non-proliferation regime will be technical,however, the decision to do so will be political. We have to learn to deal with it dispassionately”, he concluded.