EFFECTS OF ATOMIC RADIATION

Intervention by Mr. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, First Secretary on Agenda Item 29 " Effects of Atomic Radiation " in the the Fourth Committee 26 October 2006

Thank the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation for its report of the 54th Session and for the informative briefing by the Committee’s Secretary this morning.

2. We highly appreciate the Committee’s 50 years of service, and its valuable contribution in promoting wider knowledge and understanding of the levels, effects and risks of atomic and ionizing radiation on human beings and environment, in fulfillment of its mandate, with scientific authority and independence. We hope the Committee will be provided with the necessary resources to effectively carry out its work.
3. We would like to thank Australia, in its capacity as Chair of the 54th Session of the Scientific Committee, for coordinating and introducing the draft resolution, which we are pleased to cosponsor.
4. We welcome in particular the move towards opening the membership of the Scientific Committee. This opportunity will enable the vast expertise available in other countries, not currently members of the Committee, to contribute to the Committee’s work. The eventual increase in the Committee’s membership will increase the level of international cooperation in this field, to the benefit of the entire membership.
5. We in Pakistan possess the necessary expertise and capacity, which we would be wiling to share and contribute towards the work of the Scientific Committee. Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), an independent regulatory body, deals with nuclear and radioactive safety related issues, with guidelines consistent with the latest IAEA standards on nuclear safety.
6. We would like to avail this opportunity to express our interest in becoming member of the Scientific Committee and my Government would be taking necessary steps in that regard in accordance with the draft resolution, which we hope will be adopted by consensus.