PNRA’s Role in Global Nuclear Governance

Harsa Kakar

Nuclear regulatory authorities worldwide have both domestic and international responsibilities for the safety of their nation from the hazards of nuclear materials and technology. In Pakistan, PNRA, as the national nuclear regulatory authority, has integrated the principles of international cooperation and safety into its regulatory framework and geopolitical stance, and, as such, serves as a model for safe and responsible nuclear actors in global nuclear governance.

PNRA has a wide-ranging mission that encompasses a comprehensive regulatory framework that governs nuclear safety, security, and radiological protection in Pakistan. PNRA’s regulatory framework is founded on the most stringent international standards established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and PNRA implements the IAEA’s Safety Standards in accordance with the Pakistan Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Ordinance.

PNRA’s regulatory framework consists of a three-tiered system of ordinance, regulations, and regulatory guidelines, including Licensing requirements for nuclear facilities and the use of radioactive materials and ionizing radiation, inspections of licensees, enforcement of compliance with regulatory requirements, and monitoring of nuclear facilities and the activities of licensees.

Additionally, PNRA performs detailed safety evaluations before and throughout the operational life cycle of nuclear facilities’ design, construction, and operation. PNRA also uses probabilistic risk assessment methods, disaster preparedness and mitigation plans, human factor analysis, and environmental impact assessments to determine whether a nuclear facility meets present safety standards.

To ensure the effectiveness of PNRA’s regulatory efforts, PNRA has an independent inspection function and requires licensees to develop and implement appropriate internal safety management systems. Finally, PNRA employs a graded regulatory approach, where the degree of regulatory oversight will be commensurate with the level of risk associated with the regulated activity. Therefore, PNRA will direct the majority of its resources to the areas of greatest risk.

In addition, PNRA has developed stringent emergency preparedness plans that include on-site response teams, regional emergency centers, and public alert systems that can rapidly respond to and mitigate potential radiological consequences of a nuclear accident. PNRA’s regulatory oversight will continue and will be flexible and adaptive so that it can adapt to new technologies and lessons learned from international nuclear accidents.

PNRA’s regulatory framework addresses issues that span more than one country due to the transnational risks associated with nuclear activities. Therefore, through the application of regulatory standards, the likelihood of nuclear accidents with disastrous environmental and health impacts at the regional level is being minimized. Given that Pakistan shares borders with two neighboring nuclear states, i.e., China and India, PNRA needs to maintain high levels of regulatory oversight to foster bilateral confidence and alleviate concerns about the possibility of an unintended radiological release.

Additionally, PNRA’s acceptance of the IAEA Conventions (the Convention on Nuclear Safety and the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident) its commitment to international nuclear safety obligations. These conventions provide Pakistan with a mechanism for sharing information and working with the global community in the event of a radiological emergency and for demonstrating accountability and a willingness to cooperate.

PNRA’s role extends beyond addressing safety issues in Pakistan and contributes to regional stability and the perception of Pakistan by the international community. As a region that has historically been characterized by long-standing rivalries and nuclear arms race, Pakistan’s adherence to international nuclear safety standards is a confidence-building measure. By demonstrating a commitment to safety, PNRA is an established institute that also works to counter those weakening Pakistan’s stance in global discussions on nuclear governance

PNRA’s participation in global mechanisms for safety enhances Pakistan’s reputation as a responsible nuclear state. It enables Pakistan to participate in the development of policies impacting the unstable security environment in South Asia. Effective nuclear regulation is a strategic contributor to Pakistan’s broader foreign policy, improving.

Support Pakistan’s broader foreign policy, improving ties with countries that emphasize non-proliferation and nuclear safety (i.e., China), and supporting the development of Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure under the CPEC initiative. PNRA’s credibility capacity-building projects with Pakistan are to continue to improve Pakistan’s safety practices.

PNRA could enhance its capabilities through the following examples: One, the  Finnish NRA today involves local communities in its safety measures and planning process, especially the communities contiguous to such facilities. PNRA, by following Finland’s example, could involve local communities in the planning process, thereby enhancing public trust in nuclear safety and reducing the public’s perception of mystery surrounding nuclear safety regulation.

Two, after the Fukushima disaster, Japan developed a new regulatory reform program to emphasize the expanded application of advanced probabilistic-risk assessment models to assess the risk of extreme natural disasters on nuclear reactors. Similarly, PNRA could begin to utilize more advanced risk-assessment models and mitigate the risks associated with Pakistan’s geology and climate.

Three, as more and more nuclear reactor controls become reliant on digital control systems, the US NRC, for example, has developed a substantial body of regulations to ensure the protection of the digital control systems used at every US nuclear reactor facility. Thus, PNRA would be wise to similarly develop a body of regulations to protect the digital control systems used at every Pakistani nuclear reactor facility.

Finally,  several EU member-states have participated in numerous cross-border, simultaneous nuclear-emergency-preparedness exercises. Therefore, PNRA could also consider participating in similar exercises with both nuclear and non-nuclear states in the geographic area in which it operates to promote greater trust and cooperation among neighboring states in the case of a nuclear emergency.

By developing nuclear safety assurance and engaging with other nations, may further contribute to global nuclear governance, and by continuing to be committed to protecting the citizens and property of other nations, PNRA will not only enhance its ability to compete in an increasingly competitive world, but will assist in preventing potential damage to the citizens and property of other nations due to nuclear accidents. The following are some specific ways PNRA can achieve this goal through practical action:

1. Develop and make available for use by the public a nuclear safety website that will allow the public to obtain current status reports and report incidents related to nuclear safety.
2. Invest in education and training opportunities abroad to teach personnel in the most recent technological advancements in nuclear safety and crisis management.
3. Expand its diplomatic efforts by spreading its message through international regulatory bodies on matters of nuclear safety.
4. To further strengthen its nuclear safety, Pakistan may also work with other regional organizations.

Because PNRA is a well-established regulatory body and has been actively involved in global affairs regarding the regulations of nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes, and considering PNRA’s history of being transparent, PNRA has now earned the distinction of being considered one of the most significant and credible components of the overall global nuclear safety structure of Pakistan.

As a result of PNRA’s proactive measures to assure nuclear safety outside of Pakistan’s borders, PNRA decreases the likelihood of damage to people and property on a catastrophic scale and, at the same time, enhances its reputation internationally and contributes to the enhancement of Pakistan’s credibility as a responsible nuclear power that addresses the larger issues of global nuclear governance.

The author is an Assistant Research Fellow at Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN), Quetta. The views expressed are personal. She can be reached at Kakarhsa01@gmail.com /harsa@bttn.org.pk