Pakistan’s nuclear power plants functioning safely: PAEC

Islamabad, March 15, 2011 (PPI): Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission PAEC Tuesday said its nuclear power plants located at Karachi and Chashma were “functioning safely.” In a statement PAEC said it was continuously monitoring flow of events in nuclear plants in Japan in the wake of recent earthquake and tsunami there. Pakistan’s nuclear plants are regulated by Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority PNRA which is an independent body.

There is also a Safety Division at PAEC headquarters which provides safety oversight.

“Moreover, there are several built-in features in our nuclear plants to handle accidents. Karachi Nuclear Power Plant KANUPP has already been assessed to be safe against effects of

earthquake and tsunami. Two Chashma Nuclear Power Plants are safe against earthquake and flooding due to worst possible sequence of dam breaks,” PAEC stated.

“There was no cause of concern regarding safe operation of nuclear plants. Over the years, plants safety has also been assessed by experts from International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA & World Association of Nuclear Operators WANO. Any lessons learnt from accidents in Japan will be implemented at our plants as well,” statement added.