History of Nuclear Safety Legislation in
Pakistan
Zaheer Ayub Baig
Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority
National Conference on
Application of Nuclear Science and Technology in Pakistan
12 – 13 July, 2012
Islamabad
History of Nuclear Safety in Pakistan
1956
Establishment of Pakistan Atomic Energy Council
1964
Constitution of Pakistan Nuclear Safety Committee
1965
Promulgation of Pakistan Atomic Energy
Commission Ordinance
1970
Creation of Nuclear Safety and Licensing Division
2
History of Nuclear Safety in Pakistan
1984
Promulgation of Pakistan Nuclear Safety and
Radiation Protection Ordinance
1990
Promulgation of PNSRP Regulations
1994
Convention on Nuclear Safety signed
1994
Creation of Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Board
(PNRB)
2001
Establishment of Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory
Authority (PNRA)
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PAEC Ordinance 1965
● Promulgated 29th May, 1965
● Approved by National Assembly 21st July, 1965
● Function and Powers




Promotion of the peaceful uses of atomic energy
Mining of nuclear substances
Setup companies or enter into joint ventures for execution of
major projects or industrial projects (with the prior approval of
GoP)
To make regulations with the prior approval of GoP
4
PNSRP Ordinance 1984
● Promulgated 26th January, 1984
● Constitutional cover provided by 8th Amendment Act
1985 (Article 270 A)
● Establishment of Directorate of Nuclear Safety and
Radiation Protection
● Licence required for activities related to nuclear
substance or radiation generators
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PNSRP Ordinance 1984
● Powers Conferred




Make and enforce regulations for nuclear safety and radiation
protection
Control and regulate radiation safety aspects of nuclear
substances and radioactive material
Issue licences to activities and facilities dealing with nuclear
substances and radiation generators
Inspect all licensed nuclear or radiation facilities
● Penalties

Seven years imprisonment or fine of Rs. 100,000/- or both
6
PNSRP Regulations 1990
● Issued 12th September, 1990
● 70 articles
● All the powers conferred on PAEC by PNSRP Ordinance
1984, except to make regulations, delegated to DNSRP
● Procedure for obtaining licence
● Requirements for performing various activities
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Convention on Nuclear Safety
● Adopted on 17 June 1994
● Signed by Pakistan 20 Sep 1994
● ARTICLE 8. REGULATORY BODY


Each Contracting Party shall establish or designate a
regulatory body entrusted with the implementation of the
legislative and regulatory framework referred to in Article 7, and
provided with adequate authority, competence and financial
and human resources to fulfil its assigned responsibilities.
Each Contracting Party shall take the appropriate steps to
ensure an effective separation between the functions of the
regulatory body and those of any other body or organization
concerned with the promotion or utilization of nuclear energy
8
Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Board
● Creation

November, 1994 (Executive order of the Prime Minister)
● Constitution


Chairman
Chairman PAEC (Ex-officio)
3 Full Time Members
–
–
–

Director General (DNSRP)
Member Finance (PAEC)
Member Admin (PAEC)
Secretary
ex-officio
ex-officio
5 Part-Time Members
–
Senior Scientists/Engineers/Experts from outside PAEC
9
Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Board
● Functions







Oversee and review the performance of DNSRP
Approve regulations, guides and codes of practice
Approve constitution of Advisory committees
Review appeal from the aggrieved party against orders passed
by DNSRP
Approve policy on exemption from licence fee
Approve general policies regarding revenues and funds of
DNSRP
Review and approve research and development projects in
nuclear safety, health and environmental protection
● PAEC to seek separate budgetary allocation for PNRB
10
PNRA Ordinance 2001
● Promulgated 22nd January, 2001
● Constitutional cover provided by 17th Amendment Act
2003 (Article 270 AA)
● Composition




Chairman
Two full time members
Seven part time members
Secretary
11
PNRA Part time members
● 2 scientists/engineers from Universities
● 1 Medical Doctor
● 1 Ministry of Health
● 1 Environmental Protection Agency
● 1 PAEC
● 1 DG (SPD), JSHQ (ex-officio)
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Major Functions & Responsibilities










Regulate nuclear and radiation facilities
Develop and execute policies and programs for protection of life,
health and property against risks of ionizing radiation
Grant of Licence or Authorization
Inspection of nuclear and radiation facilities
Ensure implementation of corrective actions
Ensure emergency preparedness plans are in place
Ensure physical protection of nuclear installations and nuclear
materials
Fixation of extent of Civil Liability for an operator in case of various
nuclear incidents
Establish extent of insurance against nuclear damage
Environmental monitoring
13
Facilities Requiring Licence From PNRA

Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear Research Reactors

Manufacturers of Nuclear Safety Class Equipment and Components

Nuclear Medical Centres

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology (including X-ray Machines)

Research Facilities Using Radiation Generators

Agriculture Research Centres

Industrial Radiography

Industrial applications of radiation

Irradiators used for sterilization of medical equipment and food
preservation
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Regulations Issued by PNRA
● Regulations for the Licensing of Nuclear Safety Class
Equipments and Components Manufacturers – PAK/907
● Regulations for the Licensing of Radiation Facilities
other than Nuclear Installations – PAK/908
● Regulations for Licensing of Nuclear Installations –
PAK/909
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Regulations Issued by PNRA
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Regulations on Radiation Protection – PAK/904
Regulations on the Safety of Nuclear Installations – Site Evaluation –
PAK/910
Regulations on the Safety of Nuclear Power Plant Design – PAK/911
Regulations on the Safety of Nuclear Power Plant Quality Assurance –
PAK/912
Regulations on the Safety of Nuclear Power Plants Operation - PAK/913
Regulations on Management of a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency –
PAK/914
Regulations on Radioactive Waste Management – PAK/915
Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material – PAK/916
Regulations for Licensing of Nuclear Research Reactor Operation –
PAK/923
PNRA Enforcement Regulations – PAK/950
Journey continues
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