VIENNA, Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), at the Vienna International Centre on Tuesday, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful and responsible use of nuclear technology.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Siddiq Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.

During the discussions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for the IAEA’s mandate in promoting peaceful nuclear applications, particularly in critical sectors such as cancer diagnosis and treatment, agriculture, nuclear power generation and industrial development.

He highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding partnership with the agency, noting that while the country benefits from IAEA technical cooperation programmes, it also contributes actively by providing experts and hosting international training initiatives for other member states.

Director General Grossi acknowledged Pakistan’s expertise in the peaceful use of nuclear technology and commended the professional standards of its engineers, scientists and technical personnel.

He also praised Pakistan’s cooperation in nuclear safety and security frameworks, describing the country as well-positioned to assist other IAEA member states in applying nuclear technology for development purposes.

Grossi expressed anticipation for Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Nuclear Energy Summit to be hosted by France in March 2026, underscoring the importance of global dialogue on clean energy and sustainable development.

Following the meeting, an agreement was signed designating the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL), Lahore, as a Centre of Cooperation with the IAEA. The agreement was signed on behalf of Pakistan by Senator Ishaq Dar and on behalf of the IAEA by Director General Grossi.

The officials described the designation as a significant step toward enhancing Pakistan’s role in advancing nuclear medicine and oncology research and training at the international level.

The engagement in Vienna reflects Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach to strengthen multilateral cooperation and promote the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology for socio-economic development.