Vienna, 17 February 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), the seat of the UN offices in Vienna, today. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch were also present during the meeting. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the IAEA’s vital role in promoting the responsible and peaceful use of nuclear technology in key sectors, including cancer diagnosis and treatment, agriculture, nuclear power generation, and industrial applications. He underscored the strong and longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the IAEA, noting that Pakistan is not only a beneficiary of the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme but also an active contributor. Pakistan continues to support the IAEA’s work through the provision of expert services and by hosting international training programmes for Member States.
Director General Grossi acknowledged Pakistan’s extensive experience and expertise in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and commended the high standards maintained by its engineers, scientists, and technicians. He appreciated Pakistan’s valuable contributions to the IAEA’s efforts in nuclear safety and security, and observed that Pakistan is well positioned to assist other Member States in advancing peaceful nuclear applications. He also expressed his anticipation of Pakistan’s active participation in the Nuclear Energy Summit being organized by France in March 2026. Later, an agreement was signed designating the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL), Lahore, as an IAEA Collaborating Centre. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Director General Grossi signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan and the IAEA, respectively.
The designation of INMOL as an IAEA Collaborating Centre reflects international recognition of Pakistan’s expertise and commitment to advancing peaceful nuclear technology for sustainable development and public welfare.