Pakistan Nuclear Society

Follow-up of Students’ Convention organized by PNS

Twenty seven (27) Questions asked by the students during the Students’ Convention
held at IIU, Islamabad on 20th May 2023. The questions/ answers are as follows:

Question – 1 (Ms. Rubab Batool, IIUI)

Sir! You told us briefly about the history of Pakistan Nuclear Society. Can you
tell us about the current state of nuclear energy in our country, and about the safety,
measurement to ensure that nuclear energy is used with responsibility and safety?
Answer:
The current status of nuclear energy in Pakistan is that there are 6 operating
nuclear power plants having production capacity of 3,530 MW (C-1=325, C-2=325,
C-3=340, C-4=340, K-2=1100, K-3=1100). All these plants are continuously running
at a very high capacity factors.
Regarding the safety of these plants, all the national and international safety
standards and guidelines of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and
Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) are implemented.
Pakistan is a member of World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).
Besides the peer reviews, WANO arranges technical support missions and training
courses for PAEC. All these WANO activities have helped PAEC in meeting its
commitment towards safe operation of its nuclear power plants.
The two bigger nuclear power plants in Karachi, K-2 & K-3, are of latest
design having additional safety features like double containment.

Question – 2 (Raja M. Tufail, PIEAS)

In current scenario when no country in the world is ready to give Pakistan
anything, particularly things concerned with nuclear technology, in this regard what
PNS could do and what PNS is doing to cope with this situation.
Answer:
Right. No country other than China is helping Pakistan in the field of nuclear
energy. But now we have sufficient experience in operating nuclear power plants
and the government has decided to build a plant with our own resources and
expertise. Moreover, we are getting many nuclear related equipment and technical
assistance under certain IAEA projects for nuclear power, medical, agriculture,
industry and research centers for peaceful applications of nuclear technology which
is the main objective of PNS. For this purpose, PNS organizes seminars and
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conferences in which recommendations are prepared and sent to the higher
authorities for consideration.

Question – 3 (No Name)

No Gas, no oil, no electricity in our country? What Pakistan Atomic Energy
Commission (PAEC) can play its role in this sort?

Answer:

The electricity demand is continuously increasing in Pakistan because of

increasing population, industrialization and rising of living standard of people. The
electricity supply could not match with demand and the country has been facing
severe electricity shortage for the last several years.
Currently, the power generation installed capacity of Pakistan is dominated by
gas, oil and hydro. This dominance can cause electricity crisis whenever
international energy prices increase, gas supply gets short or nature hits us with a
dry season. A reliable electricity supply in Pakistan needs a reliable power sector
possessing diversified sources of energy like local coal, nuclear and renewable that
can reduce reliance on imported fuels and hydro. However, every source of
electricity generation is attributed with some good points and some bad points.
 Oil-fired power plants have very short construction time but Pakistan has
very small proven reserves of oil and has to rely on oil imports that can
absorb major portion of its foreign exchange earnings. Furthermore, the
price of imported oil is volatile depending on political scenarios originating
internationally.
 Gas-fired power plants also have short construction time. They have high
efficiency through Combined Cycle technology. However, Pakistan doe not
posses sufficient reserves of natural gas. Imported LNG (Liquefied Natural
Gas) prices, linked to international crude oil prices, are also volatile.
 Pakistan has large coal resources which could provide security of energy
supply. However, large scale international funding are not available for coal
fired power plants because of international climate change regime.
 Hydropower is renewable and dams are multipurpose. But hydro resources
in Pakistan are associated with sociopolitical issues (such as resettlement,
water distribution among provinces) and have large seasonal variation.
Furthermore large hydropower projects have long gestation period and
require large investments.
 Owing to the small share of fuel cost in the total cost of electricity
generation, nuclear power is immune to rise in uranium prices. Nuclear
power has proved its performance and cost-economics in Pakistan. The
capacity factors of nuclear power plants are higher than average of all
electricity generating. It has not atmospheric emissions and can be built
near load centers. But nuclear power plants have high investment costs
and long gestation period.
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) initiated its nuclear power
programme in early 1960s with planning and construction of its first nuclear power
plant - KANUPP. The plant connected to national grid in 1971 and started
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 commercial operation in 1972. Now 6 nuclear power plants are in operation and
providing around one-fifth of country's total electricity supply. Nuclear power plants
supplied 18,739 million kilowatt-hours of electricity to the national grid from July
2022 - March 2023. In December 2022, the uninterrupted electricity supply from
NPPs was 27 percent of the total electricity supplied in the national grid [Source:
Pakistan Economic Survey 2022-23 issued on June 8, 2023].
PAEC is working on expansion of its nuclear power programme for supply of
low-cost and reliable electricity to national grid.

Question – 4 (No Name)

May I know about the steps taken by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission to
fulfill our energy needs. (Nuclear Fusion)
Answer:
Currently, in entire world, no commercial nuclear power plant is in operation
based on nuclear fusion. However, over 100 experimental public and private fusion
devices are in operation, in construction or in planning around the world, based on
different approaches to produce fusion reactions. Pakistan is fully recognized the
importance of fusion based nuclear power generation and a group of PAEC
scientists is working on it.
To meet the national energy needs, PAEC has been tasked by the
Government of Pakistan to install 8,800 MW of nuclear power by the year 2030.
PAEC is confident that it will not only be able to accomplish this task, but will
Inshallah go on to produce more nuclear power in future.

Question – 5 (Mr. Ibrahim)

How much have we progressed regarding the generation of electricity through
nuclear reactors except providing to only PAEC colony?
There are many PAEC housing societies which are near nuclear reactors and
are causing medical health issues due to nuclear radiations especially NILORE.

Answer:

It is not true. The whole electricity production of nuclear power plants is sent
to national grid and not a single kilowatt-hour is used in PAEC colonies. During first 9
months of the current financial year (1st July 2022 - 31 March 2023), nuclear power
plants provided 21% of grid electricity in the country [Source: Pakistan Economic
Survey 2022-23 issued on June 8, 2023]. Its means, on average, every fifth house of
the country used electricity produced by nuclear power.
There is no nuclear power plant at Nilore but the institute at Nilore has
research reactors which are not for electricity generation. Worldwide, research
reactors are located in research centers and universities. IAEA and PNRA define
Exclusion Area Boundary (EAB) and Low Population Zone (LPZ) around nuclear
power plants but not around nuclear research reactors. Even in case of nuclear
power, annual radiation dose at a plant boundary is much lower than dose from

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natural sources (cosmic rays from outer space, ingested radionuclide from food &
water, inhaled radon from air, terrestrial radiation from the ground).

Question – 6 (Shafqat Rasool)

India and Pakistan both want to be part of nuclear supply group (NSG), Indian
case is strong as compared to Pakistan because of support of the western countries
like US, France, UK and Russia while Pakistan case is weak but supported by
China and Turkey. If India become member of this group what are concerns of
Pakistan and what are impacts on balance of power in South Asia.

Answer:

Any country can become member of NSG (i) Having ability to supply items
being used in nuclear industry and goods/technology for dual-use. (ii) Adherence to
one or more of the treaties such as NPT or an equivalent international nuclear non-
proliferation agreement and full compliance with the obligations of such agreement's,
(iii) Supportive of international efforts towards non-proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction and of their delivery vehicles.
Applications of Pakistan and India for membership of NSG have been held
since 2016 because of their non-NPT status and difference between NSG members
over the admission criteria. Through US- India 123 Agreement in 2008, doors were
opened to India for nuclear trade, transfer of nuclear materials, equipment,
components, and related technologies and cooperation in nuclear fuel cycle
activities. For Pakistan, things have been different – mostly a policy of denial.
India is making efforts to enter NSG with the help of its western allies while
eight of its nuclear power plants, fast breeder reactor, fuel cycle facility reside
outside IAEA safeguards. If India becomes member of the Group without Pakistan
then the global efforts on non-proliferation suffer and nuclear power programme of
Pakistan will also suffer and it would be difficult to achieve the country's targets of
sustainable electricity mix, carbon emissions and socio-economic development.

Question – 7 (No Name)

Is nuclear physics play any role in medical laboratory? If yes then how?
Answer:
Yes. Many instruments used in medical laboratories are bases on nuclear
physics principles. Radio-isotopes used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes are
prepared at the nuclear reactor in PINSTECH near Islamabad. Similarly, the
radiation source, Cobalt-60 is widely used in these nuclear medical hospitals. A
project is underway to fabricate and supply Linear Accelerators (LINAC) in hospitals
for the treatment of various types of cancer.

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 Question – 8 (No Name)
Sir who told us about radiations if you can explain how radiations help for
cancer patients I have seen the process in NORI, Give us little details about it.
Answer:
Radiations helps in both ways; diagnostic and therapeutic. High energy
gamma radiations from C0-60 are used for destroying cancer cells and stop their
multiplication with healthy cells. Linear Accelerators can also be used for this
purpose. For details, pl. read some basic book on radiotherapy.

Question – 9 (Mr. Matti Ullah Abbasi, PIEAS)

My Question to Sir Dr. N. M. Butt former DG Pinstech. Sir, What applications
for medical science will be available in the PARR-III, and when it is going to be
functional.
Answer :
The main application will be the production of radio-isotopes (like Mo-99, I-
131, P-32 etc.) as it has already been done at PARR-1. These isotopes are regularly
supplied to more than 70 hospitals in the country where diagnostic and treatment
facilities of cancer are available using nuclear techniques. It is expected that PARR-
III with full power of 20MWe will be operational in 2024.

Question – 10 (No Name)

I am mechanical engineering student and passionate about nuclear
engineering, But in my BSc program, There is no as such subject about nuclear
engineering. As PNS is doing excellent job so, what if PNS collaborates with PEC
and HEC to recognize nuclear engineering subject in BSc so a great confidence can
be seem from student.
Answer:
Very good suggestion especially in the context when indigenization process of
building nuclear power plants has started. A subject of Nuclear Engineering should
be taught during graduation. I remember, when I was in M.Sc. a long time ago, there
was an essential paper of Nuclear Physics. PNS intends to have meetings with
Chairman HEC and relevant persons in PEC to push this case.

Question – 11 (Eeman Asif (A-level Student))

In this AI powered world where job market landscape is experiencing
unpredicted shift.
Three months spent on YouTube can earn millions of dollars. What can be the
encouragement for studying hard science in this evolving world when disruptions
have bothered the young generation?
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Answer:
Of course money is an important factor especially in this era of high inflation.
But do all people have the ability to earn million dollars on YouTube??? Those who
can and want to do, let them do. But for those, who think that money is not the only
factor of success in this world, there are so many avenues open. I personally know a
young talented person, who went for Ph.D. in US on Fulbright scholarship, did post-
Doc under Marie-Curie fellowship and the doing a highly paid job at very reputed
Max Planck Institute in Germany, just returned to Pakistan and joined PAEC to serve
the nation. The emoluments are sufficient for a good living if someone is not too
much ambitious.

Question – 12 (Ms. Nabila Jabeen, IIUI)

We students expect to learn about the latest development in nuclear energy
and gain valuable skills and knowledge that can help us in our future careers.
Answer:
We really appreciate your interest in the field of nuclear energy and it latest
developments. By the grace of Allah, Pakistan is one of very few countries in the
world which has done significant achievements in this field. Youm-e-Takbeer, 28th
May 1998, is the day that exemplifies this. Alongside, Pakistan has proved to be a
responsible nation. Medical use of nuclear technology at various hospitals in
Pakistan is a living example of this approach. We believe that PIEAS is playing a
leading role in keeping up manpower with latest fields of knowledge. The BS,
Masters and Ph.D. programs and their course structure can be seen on the website.
In the present scenario, not many countries in the world will provide us the
knowledge of Nuclear Technology. We recommend you to visit the PIEAS website at
the give link (http://www.pieas.edu.pk/dne/cert_team.cshtml). Furthermore, please
keep in touch with PNS as we continue to guide students to adopt nuclear
technology as a field.

Question – 13 (No Name)

How is nuclear technology used in chemistry? How a chemist can excel in his
career while considering nuclear technology and its effects. Which field is directly
related to a chemist that will help her excel in her career?
Answer:
Nuclear technology plays a crucial role in various areas of chemistry. Here are
some ways in which nuclear technology is used:
1- Radioactive Tracer: Radioactive isotopes are used as tracers to study
chemical reactions and processes. By incorporating a radioactive isotope into
a molecule, scientists can track its movement and transformation within a
chemical system.

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 2- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: widely used in chemistry
to determine the structure, dynamics, and composition of molecules. It relies
on the magnetic properties of atomic specifically those of certain isotopes like
hydrogen (proton) and carbon-13.
3- Isotopic Labeling: Isotopic labeling involves substituting specific atoms in a
molecule with their isotopic counterparts. This technique allows researchers to
study the behavior and transformation of individual atoms within a compound.
4- Nuclear Activation Analysis (NAA): NAA is a sensitive analytical technique
used to determine the elemental composition of a sample. By bombarding the
sample with neutrons, certain isotopes within the sample become activated
and emit characteristic gamma rays.
5- Radiochemistry: It involves the synthesis, study, and application of radioactive
materials. Radioactive isotopes are used in various chemical processes, such
as radiopharmaceutical production for medical imaging and therapy, as well
as in research for tracing and studying chemical reactions.

Question – 14 (Uzair Mushtaque PIEAS)

For indigenization, we should work on our industry because our industry is not
that much capable, so to improve our industry, what are the plans? Because without
this indigenization is not possible.
Answer:
Fully agreed with you. Some organizations like PAEC has taken up the task to setup
industrial units for its use in nuclear related projects. Heavy Mechanical Complex is a
good example where big structures are fabricated not only for PAEC but also for
other industry. PNS strongly advocates indigenization in its seminars and also in
meetings with high level government officials.

Question – 15 (No Name)

My question is for you is that you said that everyone gets equal amount of
radiations whether one sit outside the wall of nuclear power plant. But what about
radiologists? They work in radiations and have a device with them that counts the
radiations. When the no. of radiations increases to an amount the hospital
management sent them to on leave. How they affect them? They get more radiations
or what? Or that type of radiations are more harmful for them?
Answer:
We really appreciate your question and your concern about the radiologists
performing tests for patients. The radiologist or any human is allowed an annual
radiation dose of 0.05 Sieverts (Sv) or 5 rem. The workers / radiologist serving the
patients are being monitored for this all the time. Generally work load is so designed
that every worker /radiologist remains well below this safe limit. It is a known fact that
the workers and doctor have been very careful in responsibly handling this part of

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the training. In case of an emergency situation, the person is sent on leave as
precautionary measure and not as a remedy.

Question – 16 (No Name)

Is PNS help students in research and development? As Pakistan have two
research reactors (PARR-I and PARR-II) so are these students are allowed to go
there? If not then where students perform their research experiments?
Answer:
PNS surely helps students in research and development. Students are
allowed in non-classified areas as well as certain classified areas. Previously, it was
not difficult for the group visits of students as well as doing internships in PINSTECH
and work around PARR-I & II. But now, due to some classified work and also the
construction of PARR_III, all visitors have to go through a rather rigorous and lengthy
security clearance procedure. It is recommended to apply for such internships well in
advance so that it can be managed within time.

Question – 17 (Ms. Moeeza Kanwal, IIUI)

What are benefits of being PNS member? In future, would it be helpful for
joining atomic energy? And how? I want to study further related nuclear medicine.
What courses are required to do so.
Answer:
Please visit PNS website (https://pns.org.pk) and see the list of benefits.
PNS can surely help you make more informed decisions about joining the
right department at Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. Even before that, also
related to your concern, we recommend you to regularly see what courses and
programs PIEAS offers. For example, Department of Medical Sciences at PIEAS
(http://www.pieas.edu.pk/dms/programmes.cshtml) will provide you with a very
detailed information on intended future directions.
Regarding the Nuclear Medicine field, PIEAS offers MS degree in it. The
basic qualification for that is MBBS degree.

Question – 18 (No Name)

We have bulk of students. Who have professional degree but PAEC is unable
to mobilize them. And they can’t be able to contribute and play their part in
advancement. PAEC and help in achieving something special. In my view, such
student must be engaged through some permanent positions.

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Answer:
At PIEAS, we are committed to provide high quality education and training
necessary for PAEC and even other strategic organizations. Furthermore, PIEAS
also provides jobs to students after completion of masters with several benefits
including earlier promotion (2 years as compared to 5 years for direct inductees).

Question – 19 (Mr. Abdul Sattar, CUI)

As a research student I observed only the theoretical and paper work. Most of
the universities do not focus on practical and application sides in society.
How can we develop the country and give benefit to public?
Answer:
We appreciate your concern as a student that you wish to play your part in the
development of the country and benefit the public in general. Please note that PIEAS
is not only an institution but a platform for manpower for many strategic
organizations of Pakistan. At PIEAS, Manpower is very particularly trained for
specific tasks and the only institution that guarantees job after education. For
example, Pakistan operates several nuclear power plants under PEAC to
supplement its electricity needs. More examples are (1) Pakistan Institute of Nuclear
Medicine and Radiotherapy (PINUM), (2) Nuclear Medicine, Oncology, and
Radiotherapy Institute (NORI), (3) Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology
(INMOL), (4) Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy (INMRT), (5) Karachi
Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (KIRAN). These nuclear medical
centers under the PAEC are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by
trained healthcare professionals specialized in nuclear medicine and radiation
therapy. They aim to provide quality healthcare services, promote research, and
contribute to the advancement of nuclear medicine and oncology in Pakistan.
Furthermore, we welcome you as a research student to please take a look at
the website of PIEAS (http://www.pieas.edu.pk/) and see which field interests you
the most. That way, you will be able to serve the nation while also following your
passion.

Question – 20 (No Name)

We are first Islamic nation to Nuclear by ammonize our arsenal and we did it
in time when we were economically much weaker. Indeed, a great achievement. But,
what is the reason that we are not able to manufacture single car or any mass
manufacturing.
Answer:
We appreciate your concern. Being a Muslim nation and Alhamdulillah the
only one with nuclear technology, we are also faced by the reality that India is our
neighbor. This reality has forced us to invest heavily on defense while we agree that
other industries might have suffered. If you compare Pakistan to Germany which is
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1/3rd of Pakistan in size. Embargoes were imposed upon them after the defeat in the
2nd World War and it consequently their automobile industry flourishes. Nuclear is a
very resource-hungry technology and we cannot afford to weaken out defense from
this side if we have to survive in this political world. This is not to say that we should
not strive to develop the other industry in Pakistan. We pray and hope that may Allah
keep this country safe and secure from the evil eyes of the enemy. While we
appreciate your concern and encourage thoughtful persons like you to please come
forward in your own capacity and play your part in the development of the nation.

Question – 21 (Mr. Inamullah, QAU)

Why you not discuss the role of Dr. Abdul Qadeer. He is a nuclear scientist
and also a Pakistan hero.
Answer:
We are a nation that loves our heroes and Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan is our hero.
It is a pleasure to inform you that 10 October is already a day when a Tribute to Dr.
Abdul Qadeer Khan jointly set by KRL and PNS is set to happen at Pakistan
Academy of Sciences, Islamabad. You are most welcome to participate.

Question – 22 (No Name)

How can we help in organizing events of PNS, under the supervision of core
committee?
What is the future of Nuclear in Pakistan? In 90’s our youngster was going
abroad to learn some things and to work for his country’s development, but in 2023
our youngster is going abroad to get paid well and settled there, the rest remaining
here prefer 9 to 5 with repeatedly routine.
Answer:
We are very thankful for your offer in helping core committee to organize
event. Please have a look at the regularly published newsletter and events to be held
in the future. We are expanding our broad-based collaboration with student to
organize event and your help in this regards is already welcome.
Furthermore, I see your concern as a very deep one. In 90’s students were
going abroad to get an education and come back. Even in 90’s pay was higher than
they were in Pakistan at that time but our family ties and love of the nation brought
us back. However, the present scenario brings us to a dilemma we need to educate
our young generation about the add-on problems that will accompany us in the long
run if we continue to prefer staying abroad. For example (1) Education/Tarbiyat of
kids (2) Environmental effects (3) Real love of Islam and our nation. If our highly
educated lot will settle abroad, there will be a void in the system of good people
which will of course be filled in by the leftovers. Moreover, I strongly believe that not
all people prefer to live abroad. Even though very few but still there are top-educated
people who still, without getting blinded by the glamor of paychecks, see the long-
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term pros of coming back and con of staying there in the long run for generations to
come.

Question – 23 (Mr. Momin Asif)

In these times where, nuclear technology is evolving at a rapid PAEC how as
a nation do we aggregate our interest in acclimatizing with the recent advancements
and strive to come at per with other nations trying to unveil the peaceful aspect of
using of nuclear technology in adjunct ways.
Answer:
We really appreciate the question you have raised. Pakistan is a very
responsible nation as it has always promoted the peaceful use of nuclear
technology. Pakistan operates several nuclear power plants to supplement its
electricity needs. There are four Nuclear Power Plant at Chashma and two at
Karachi that provide uninterrupted 3.5GWe electricity to the national grid.
Furthermore, Pakistan is actively expanding its nuclear power capacity with a target
of having 40 GW energy by 2050.
In addition to electricity supplement, several nuclear medical centers under
the PAEC are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by trained
healthcare professionals specialized in nuclear medicine and radiation therapy.
Similarly, four nuclear agriculture centres are engaged in high level research and
have produced a lot of new varieties of wheat, rice, cotton etc. to play their part in
national development.

Question – 24 (Mr. M. Yasir, IIUI)

what is the scope of nuclear engineering or nuclear physics?
Because I hear that it is only limited field and you can merely join atomic
physics.
So, can you please give brief introduction of scope nuclear physics.
Answer:
We really appreciate your interest in the field of nuclear physics. Nuclear
physics not only opens avenues to the field of nuclear power plants but has a very
broad horizon in medicine, chemistry, biology, and agriculture as well. Our
educational institute PIEAS will give you a detailed overview of different future
directions that you might be able to lead by undertaking nuclear technology as a
profession. Please visit PIEAS for more details (http://www.pieas.edu.pk/).

Question – 25 (Ms. Noor al Ain, IIUI)

I have a question about the opportunities for students. Like what role Nuclear
society plays in offering memberships and networking opportunities for students?
And how many ways it benefits the students.

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Answer:
PNS provides a platform where scientists, students, and even the general
public come in contact and we try to answer concerns about nuclear technology and
its use for the benefit of mankind and particularly how PAEC has served the nation
since its inception. Within this platform, we will be able to help students make more
informed decisions about their future by having seminars and workshops. We have
been conducting visits/seminars at various universities all over Pakistan in order to
play a positive role in this direction.

Question – 26 (No Name)

Why there were a lot of restrictions on Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. Especially
during his last ages. Interview that Dr. sb gave to geo news hurted a lot.
Answer:
I really appreciate your concern but I can assure you that we as scientists love
our heroes and Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan is our hero. It is a pleasure to inform you that
10 October is already a day when a Tribute to Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan jointly set by
KRL and PNS will be held at Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Islamabad.

Question – 27 (Mr. Umer)

Can PNS arrange tours for students, like from university to university for
education purposes?
As I am interested in astronomy as well can PNS arrange a tour to “Taqwa
Observatory” as I recently heard about it.
Answer:
PNS surely helps students in research and development. Students are
allowed in non-classified areas as well as certain classified areas. However, as
students have to go through a rather rigorous security clearance procedure, it is
recommended to please apply for such research experiments / internships well in
advance so that we can serve you better and within time.
Taqwa Space Observatory is in Baluchistan (Las Bela). As such PNS does
not have any connection with it. But we can explore the possibility. However, a visit
can be arranged at Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad.
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