FOR decades, Pakistan has actively promoted the peaceful use of nuclear technology, particularly in nuclear medicine, as part of its soft power strategy.
By participating in international forums like the IAEA General Conference, Pakistan highlights its commitment to advancing healthcare applications of nuclear science. Its decades’ old clear operational record underscores reliability and safety, enhancing global trust. These efforts strengthen diplomatic ties and position Pakistan as a responsible steward of nuclear technology, leveraging its expertise for humanitarian benefit. Pakistan uses nuclear technology for cancer treatment through a nationwide network of 21 specialized hospitals run by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). These facilities diagnose and treat approximately 80% of the country’s cancer patients annually, often at subsidized rates or free of charge. Pakistan has a significant and long-standing initiative.
The PAEC has been utilizing the peaceful application of nuclear technology in the health sector since the 1960s.The PAEC is frequently highlighted as a key example of leveraging nuclear technology for civilian, peaceful purposes—often interpreted as a form of “soft power” or “scientific diplomacy”—through its applications in agriculture, health and energy generation. Despite Pakistan’s history as a nuclear-armed state, the PAEC has maintained a dual identity by spearheading development projects that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and collaborating closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Commission plays a pivotal role in advancing nuclear medicine across the country by operating 21 dedicated nuclear medicine and oncology centers nationwide, ensuring widespread access to diagnostic and therapeutic services. As the largest contributor, PAEC has established a comprehensive network spanning all provinces, supporting early disease detection, cancer treatment and medical research. Its efforts align with broader national goals of promoting peaceful nuclear applications in healthcare, agriculture and energy. Through training, technology transfer and infrastructure development, PAEC strengthens Pakistan’s medical capabilities and improves public health outcomes.
This extensive program is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s efforts to address the growing burden of cancer in the country. Today, The PAEC operates 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals (AECHs) across Pakistan, ensuring access to quality healthcare in both urban centers and remote area: These hospitals handle over a million patient procedures and diagnose around 40,000 new cancer cases annually. The IAEA has lauded Pakistan’s efforts and designated the Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) in Islamabad as an ‘anchor center’ under its “Rays of Hope” initiative to further enhance capabilities and expand access to radiotherapy services. Nuclear techniques, including radiation oncology and nuclear medicine, are actively employed for diagnosing and treating various diseases, especially cancer.
Notably, PAEC cancer hospitals are spread from north to south, ensuring access to advanced cancer care, often provided free of charge or at subsidized rates. A new hospital is also under construction in Gilgit. These hospitals, such as NORI in Islamabad, INMOL in Lahore and KIRAN in Karachi, offer integrated, state-of-the-art services, including nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and medical oncology. PAEC facilities are equipped with advanced technologies, including SPECT-CT Gamma Cameras, PET-CT Scanners, Cyclotrons and Radionuclide therapy, for treating conditions such as thyroid cancer, thyrotoxicosis and providing palliative care for bone pain. The initiative also focuses heavily on training and research. The PAEC hospitals are recognized for postgraduate medical training and collaborate with institutions like the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) to train doctors, scientists and technical staff in nuclear medicine and medical physics. This ensures a sustainable pool of professionals for the country’s growing nuclear medicine needs.
Moreover, the PAEC trains a large number of medical doctors, scientists and technical staff in nuclear medicine and oncology through collaborations with institutions like the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS). This comprehensive program highlights Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful applications of nuclear technology, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for health and well-being. In this regard, the Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) in Islamabad, established by the PAEC, plays a crucial role in cancer treatment. Since 1983, NORI has been dedicated to serving humanity through its diagnostic programs and cancer treatment services. The institute is responsible for implementing quality management programs and protocols for radiation oncology, nuclear medicine and radiology procedures, ensuring high standards in patient care and treatment.
Beyond patient care, INMR is a recognized center for excellence, involved in extensive research and the training of medical professionals (oncologists, nuclear physicians and medical physicists) in collaboration with national and international bodies like the IAEA. The institute participates in clinical trials and research projects to develop and improve cancer treatment protocols. Overall, the Institute of Nuclear Medicine Rawalpindi provides a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, integrating state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear technologies to serve a vast population in the region.
In addition, the PAEC has signed “Practical Arrangements” with the IAEA to enhance collaboration and share its expertise in nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and medical physics with other countries, particularly in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. These acknowledgments from the leading international authority on nuclear energy underscore Pakistan’s role as a responsible nuclear state harnessing the technology for significant humanitarian and socio-economic benefits.
In essence, as a key driver of nuclear science in Pakistan, PAEC has been committed to healing the suffering humanity through the use of nuclear medicine. It also promotes regional stability and international cooperation through technology transfer, capacity building and non-proliferation commitments. Its role in providing clean, low-carbon energy aligns with global climate goals, enhancing Pakistan’s diplomatic influence. The PAEC strengthens national prestige and positions Pakistan as a responsible steward of nuclear technology on the world stage. In December, 2025, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi commended Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) for its significant contributions to cancer treatment.
—The writer, based in Pakistan, is an independent IR & International Law analyst and is member of European Consortium of Political Research including Washington Foreign Law Society/American Society of International Law.
