Shehbaz leads dome-placement ceremony at Chashma-5 nuclear plant

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday led the dome-placement ceremony at the 1,200-megawatt Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant in Mianwali, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen energy security through nuclear power.

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chinese officials and senior representatives of relevant organisations also attended the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, the prime minister described the development as a historic achievement for Pakistan and praised the close cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing in completing the construction milestone.

He said the dome had been installed ahead of schedule, around three and a half years after the project’s inauguration in July 2023. He expressed confidence that continued cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese experts would help bring the project into operation before the planned deadline.

Shehbaz commended the engineers, technicians and workers from both countries for their dedication and contribution to the project. He said Chashma-5 would provide reliable, affordable and clean electricity, reducing Pakistan’s dependence on imported fuels and fluctuating international energy prices.

The prime minister stressed that a stable electricity supply was essential for industries, hospitals, educational institutions and the country’s wider economic growth. He added that nuclear energy could play an important role in ensuring uninterrupted power supply regardless of weather conditions.

Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, he said the country needed sustainable energy solutions that could meet its growing economic requirements while protecting the environment.

Shehbaz also acknowledged Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership during Marka-e-Haq and appreciated his support for the government’s efforts to revive the economy and promote socioeconomic development. He said national stability and strong institutional cooperation were important for attracting investment and accelerating economic progress.

The prime minister thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and the China National Nuclear Corporation for their continued assistance in Pakistan’s nuclear energy programme.

He said Chashma-5 was the seventh nuclear power unit China had helped establish in Pakistan, describing the projects as enduring symbols of the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

Referring to the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Shehbaz said the project reflected the strength of bilateral cooperation and would contribute to economic opportunities and a more prosperous future.

He also urged the nation to make full use of its resources, technology and human potential to achieve the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah for a prosperous, economically strong and energy-independent Pakistan.

The prime minister congratulated the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, China Atomic Energy Authority, contractors, engineers, financial institutions and other stakeholders involved in the project. He also appreciated the people of Mianwali for hosting the major national development initiative.

Earlier, the PAEC chairman highlighted the growing contribution of nuclear energy to Pakistan’s electricity generation and energy security.

He said the country’s nuclear power plants were generating a combined 3,530 megawatts of electricity safely and efficiently, while helping prevent around 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

Chashma-5, a pressurised water reactor, will have a gross generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts and is expected to become operational by 2030. Once completed, it will supply a substantial amount of low-carbon electricity to the national grid.

Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power units with a combined installed generation capacity of 3,530 megawatts.