PAEC allocates Rs1.5bn for ongoing projects, fusion research in FY2026-27

The federal government has proposed a development allocation of Rs1.5 billion for the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in the upcoming fiscal year

The federal government has proposed a development allocation of Rs1.5 billion for the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in the upcoming fiscal year, with the overwhelming share of funds earmarked for the continuation of existing projects, according to budget documents.

The proposed allocation reflects the government’s emphasis on completing ongoing strategic and scientific initiatives, while only a limited amount has been set aside for new development schemes. Of the total proposed funding, Rs1.4 billion has been recommended for projects already under implementation, whereas Rs100 million has been allocated for a new initiative.

Budget documents show that the overall size of the PAEC development portfolio has reached approximately Rs330.22 billion, covering a wide range of projects in the fields of energy, healthcare, agriculture, and advanced scientific research.

Among the major allocations, Rs800 million has been proposed for the establishment of an Emerging Technologies Center, a project aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s capabilities in cutting-edge scientific and technological fields. The center is expected to support research and innovation in emerging sectors that are becoming increasingly important for economic and industrial development.

The government has also recommended an allocation of Rs390 million for a medical isotope production facility. Officials believe the project will significantly enhance the country’s healthcare infrastructure by ensuring the local availability of medical isotopes used in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, particularly cancer. The facility is expected to reduce dependence on imported materials and improve access to advanced medical services.

Meanwhile, the Karachi Coastal Power Project Units 1 and 2 will receive Rs100 million during the next financial year. The nuclear power project remains one of the largest undertakings under PAEC’s development program. Documents reveal that approximately Rs202.47 billion has already been spent on the project, while an additional Rs121 billion will be required to complete the remaining work.

The Emerging Technologies Center itself carries an estimated total cost of Rs2.89 billion, highlighting the government’s long-term commitment to scientific advancement and technological innovation.

In the agricultural sector, the budget includes funding for a Speed Breeding Platform designed to develop hybrid crop varieties capable of adapting to climate change. The initiative aims to support food security by accelerating the development of resilient crops that can withstand changing weather patterns and environmental stresses.

To further strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, the government has proposed an allocation of Rs200 million for the Climate Smart Hybrid Crops project. The program is intended to promote the cultivation of high-yield and climate-adaptive crop varieties, helping farmers cope with the growing challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.

The upcoming fiscal year’s development program also includes a new scheme focused on advancing fusion science and technology. The government has recommended Rs100 million to enhance Pakistan’s capacity in advanced fusion research, a field considered critical for the future of clean and sustainable energy generation.