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Mr. Chairman,
On behalf of Pakistan’s delegation, I thank the Chairman of the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) for his briefing.
I would also like to convey my delegation’s appreciation for the work done by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation during its 65th Session this year. We highly appreciate the Committee’s more than 60 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.
Pakistan being a member of this committee is fully cognizant of the important role of this committee.
Mr. Chairman,
We appreciate the work done by the UN Scientific Committee on Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) in providing scientific foundation to member states for formulating international standards for protection of general public, workers and patients against ionizing radiation.
Use of nuclear technology is rapidly increasing in the world for peaceful means. Pakistan uses nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in many areas including power production, health, agriculture, bio-technology, pharmacology and Industry.
We have also developed a robust national infrastructure including policies/procedures for protection of workers general public, and environment. In this regard, UNSCEAR reports and IAEA standards are regularly used in Pakistan as reference for developing national regulations.
Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) is an independent regulatory body with the responsibility to control, regulate and supervise all the matters related to radiation and nuclear safety in the facilities operated by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and its organizations. It is mandatory for all the nuclear facilities to have procedures/policies in place for safety of its workers, public and environment from harmful effects of atomic radiation. In addition, the facilities are required to develop their comprehensive radiological environmental monitoring programme for regular surveillance of radiation levels around them.
Pakistan is firmly committed to further enhance its infrastructure, capacity and training of its personnel, in collaboration with international organizations to support radiation safety regime.
Pakistan’s Representative to UNSCEAR, participated in the 65th session is Vienna from 11-14 June 2018. Pakistan has also designated a National Contact Person for collection of radiation and exposure data within the country.
Mr.Chairman,
UNSCEAR’s contribution to the debate on effect of atomic radiation has been significant. Its scientific evaluations of sources of ionizing radiation and of the associated exposures are very useful for all Member States. The excellent quality and impact of the Committee’s evaluations depend on the sustained high levels of competence among contributors and the hard work of the Scientific Secretary and his team. In this regard, Pakistan would like to place on record the excellent work done by former Scientific Secretary Malcolm Crick.
It is essential that the UNSCEAR’s Secretariat is adequately staffed and the Committee has sufficient resources at its disposal to continue carrying out its duties. We share the concerns expressed by some Member States over the delay in appointing the new Scientific Secretary.
Mr.Chairman,
I would like to conclude by assuring you that Pakistan is fully cognizant of the significance for understanding and sensitivity towards the need for foolproof protective and safety measures while handling this extremely volatile source of energy.
Thank you!