MIANWALI, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has achieved a major milestone with the successful placement of the dome of the Chashma-5 (C-5) Nuclear Power Plant.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attended the ceremony as chief guest, alongside Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chinese officials and senior representatives of relevant organisations.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister appreciated Pakistani and Chinese engineers, technicians and workers for their dedication and efforts in completing the construction milestone well ahead of schedule. He said the C-5 project reflected Pakistan’s commitment to clean and emissions-free electricity generation.

He also commended China’s cooperation, saying the milestone reaffirmed the longstanding all-weather friendship between the two countries and their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation in economic, security and development sectors. He stressed the need to utilise national resources and human capital to make Pakistan economically stronger, energy-secure and environmentally responsible.

In his opening remarks, the PAEC Chairman said nuclear energy continued to play an important role in Pakistan’s energy security by providing reliable and low-carbon electricity.

He said Pakistan’s nuclear power plants were safely and efficiently generating 3,530 megawatts of electricity, helping avoid approximately 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Nuclear energy accounts for around 16.6 per cent of the country’s electricity generation despite representing only 8.6 per cent of its installed power capacity. Its share of electricity generation increases to 26 per cent during winter.

The Chashma-5 project will have a generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts and is expected to start electricity generation in September 2030.