Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) is utilising nuclear technology in wide range of socio-economic domains including cancer treatment and enhancement of agricultural productivity. The Commission was also harnessing this technology for quality control techniques, product competitiveness and industrial support services, said PAEC member (Physical Sciences) Dr Masud Ahmed.
He said this while inaugurating a weeklong international technical moot on "New techniques in sealed sources and radio-tracer preparation, injection and data logging" here on Monday (23 May).
The conference, being attended by noted scientists from 10 Regional Co-operation Agreement (RCA) member countries, has been jointly organised by the PAEC and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"Based upon our engagements and accumulated expertise in wide range of nuclear-related applications in socio-economic spheres and our impeccable safety and compliance records, Pakistan is one of the largest recipients of the IAEA technical assistance," Dr Masud said.
He said in recognition of its world class facilities, some of the labs in Pinstech had been declared as Regional Resource Unit of the IAEA, while Isotope Application Division labs were on the accredited list.
Dr Masud said the radioisotopes' techniques had a technical superiority over the conventional non-nuclear diagnostic techniques in terms of economy, efficiency and convenience by offering online measurements without shutting down the industrial unit and were thus bringing considerable benefits to national economies of the RCA countries.
He appreciated the IAEA role in establishing and promoting this technology and co-operation in other linked areas of common interest to the member-state, which aimed to enhance industrial efficiency, global environment, recycling of resources, safe exploration, exploitation and utilisation of indigenous and natural resources, health and food security.
Speaking on behalf of the IAEA, Dr Joon Ha Jin said the IAEA would continue to provide training and related equipment to member countries for enhancing their capability to gain dividends from the diverse applications of radioisotopes.
Another prominent scientist from the IAEA, Dr Andries Hills said the workshop would result in considerable knowledge gains for the participants as it had been designed for practical interaction and exchange of experience.
In his welcome address, Pinstech Director General Dr Mustansar Jehangir said the Pinstech as Regional Resource Unit of the IAEA was honoured to hold this international conference and it would continue to be the hub of regional activities for mutual benefits of the member countries.
Pinstech Radio Isotope Application Division's Head Dr Riffat Qureshi said the meeting of international experts on the use of radiotracer technique for exploration and exploitation of minerals resources was first of its kind and "we look forward to more similar get-togethers."
Meeting secretary Iqbal Ahmed Khan informed the delegates of the conference would be given a one-day orientation at the Pinstech Radioisotopes applications laboratories. -PR
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