International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) holds regular meetings of the Competent Authorities after every two years to facilitate information exchange and strengthen the implementation of the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency. The Competent Authorities are the entities designated by the State Parties to carry out specific duties with respect to information exchange relating to nuclear and radiological emergencies as well as for provision of international assistance under these conventions. PNRA is the Competent Authority designated by Pakistan.

Mr. Faizan Mansoor, Chairman PNRA, chaired the 11th meeting of the Competent Authorities held at IAEA HQ, Vienna, Austria from 13-17 June 2022. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format and attended by 188 personnel (90 in-person and 98 virtual).

The Chair emphasized that a strong and integrated international framework for notification and assistance in the event of a nuclear emergency is essential to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. He also highlighted the importance of the meeting by stating that this meeting is essential, since it gathers the world’s experts in nuclear emergency preparedness and response to determine that our arrangements remain effective when emergencies occur under increasingly complex conditions.