CASS Lahore Hosts National Seminar on Civilian Nuclear Power
Lahore, The Gulf Observer: The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, hosted a high-level national seminar titled “Unleashing the Atom: Civilian Nuclear Power in the 21st Century.” The event was widely attended by academia, students, intellectuals and domain experts. In her introductory remarks, Nidaa Shahid, Associate Director at CASS Lahore, emphasised Pakistan’s achievements in civilian nuclear power and called for leveraging advanced technologies to keep Pakistan at the forefront of global nuclear innovation.
Dr Ansar Parvez, Advisor Nuclear Power to the National Command Authority (NCA), delivered a compelling keynote address tracing the global evolution of nuclear energy and Pakistan’s civil nuclear journey. He noted the global resurgence in nuclear power but cautioned that public apprehensions, safety concerns, and regulatory challenges continue to hinder broader acceptance. He emphasised that the future of nuclear energy depends not only on safe and efficient plant operations but also on building sustained public trust.
Dr Javaid Khurshid, Consultant for Science, Communication, and Diplomacy at COMSTECH, emphasised that nuclear power, now increasingly recognised as a green, safe, and sustainable energy source, holds immense potential in addressing the challenges of climate change. He highlighted the critical importance of responsible policymaking, effective science communication, and proactive public engagement in securing nuclear energy’s long-term role in enhancing climate resilience and advancing sustainable development.
Mr Amer Manzoor, DG International Affairs Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), outlined global trends and emerging opportunities for Pakistan in the civil nuclear domain. He advocated for the integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), as well as non-electric applications such as desalination and hydrogen production. He emphasised PAEC’s pivotal role in driving sustainable development across energy, health, and agriculture, and highlighted the need for innovation-driven policies and robust institutional capacity to harness the full potential of nuclear technology.
In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President of CASS Lahore, highlighted that nuclear energy stands at the heart of Pakistan’s strategy for achieving energy security, environmental sustainability, and national resilience. He emphasised that with over 3,500 MW already contributed to the national grid, Pakistan’s civil nuclear programme is a proven success, but must now evolve to meet 21st century demands. This includes embracing emerging technologies like SMRs, investing in research and innovation, localising the nuclear value chain, and cultivating the next generation of nuclear professionals. He stressed that nuclear energy is more than just an electricity source; it is a strategic pillar for national development, environmental responsibility and technological progress. Therefore, a forward-looking, inclusive approach is essential to fully harness the potential of nuclear energy for sustainable development.
The seminar concluded with a lively Q&A session, engaging participants in a forward-looking discussion on innovations in the civil nuclear technology and its importance for sustainable development in Pakistan.
