Pakistan Institute Becomes Collaborating Centre in Water Management

Islamabad: The Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, has been designated as an IAEA Collaborating Centre in the field of sustainable water resource management.

According to EMM, the agreement was signed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Raja Ali Raza Anwar, and Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, during the IAEA’s 68th General Conference. This milestone builds on a long-term partnership between the IAEA and Pakistan. There are now four IAEA Collaborating Centres dedicated to water resource management worldwide.

The IAEA has played a key role in building the capacity of the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) in isotope hydrology. Over the years, PINSTECH scientists have received training in nuclear techniques for hydrology, and the institute’s infrastructure has been upgraded through participation in national, regional, and inter-regional IAEA technical cooperation projects.

Established in 1965 under the umbrella of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, PINSTECH is the leading research and development institute in Pakistan. Its isotope hydrology laboratories are the country’s only scientific facility providing isotope-based solutions to public and private sector stakeholders. PINSTECH contributes to the Global Water Analysis Laboratory (GloWAL) Network, participates in the Agency’s inter-comparison exercises for quality assurance, and enriches regional Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation and Global Network of Isotopes in Rivers databases. Its water quality laboratories meet international quality standards.

As an IAEA Collaborating Centre, PINSTECH will continue playing a pivotal role in strengthening regional expertise for effective water resource management in the region.