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.
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.
PINSTECH scientists have also contributed to cutting-edge hydrology research via IAEA-coordinated research projects. The expertise gained through participation in IAEA projects has been extended to other countries, as PINSTECH has served as a Regional Resource Unit in isotope hydrology, offering analytical and expert support to countries in the region. In recognition of its achievements in nuclear science and technology, PINSTECH and its scientists received outstanding achievement awards from the IAEA's Regional Cooperation Agreement on its 50th anniversary.
The IAEA Collaborating Centre designation is valid for four years (2024-2028) and will focus on advancing education, research and development in water resource management. The centre aims to enhance the capacity of member countries by hosting training courses, workshops and fellowships as well as providing expert and analytical services.
The activities planned under the agreement include the assessment and characterization of various water systems-such as rivers, lakes, groundwater and coastal waters-using isotope tracer techniques and water chemistry. These efforts will generate critical data to support water management, pollution control and environmental protection. Additionally, the centre will offer expert services to IAEA member countries. The designation marks a significant milestone, reflecting fifty years of collaboration between PINSTECH and the IAEA.
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.
