PM Shehbaz stresses clean energy’s importance for Pakistan at Chashma-5 nuclear plant event

Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif marked the installation of the dome at Chashma-5 near Mianwali, describing the nuclear project as a source of cleaner electricity and greater energy security. The dome placement signals the shift from civil construction to work inside the structure, and the government says the 1,200MW plant is scheduled to begin producing electricity in September 2030.

The prime minister said the project had reached this stage ahead of schedule, while expressing confidence it could be commissioned early. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar said the country’s nuclear stations produce 3,530MW, avoiding 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. He added that nuclear power supplies about 16.6 per cent of electricity generation against 8.6pc of installed capacity, rising to 26pc in winter.