ISLAMABAD: Pakistan achieved a significant milestone in its energy sector as the construction of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5) officially began with the first concrete pouring ceremony. The event, held on Monday, was attended by key dignitaries including Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, and Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar.
The groundbreaking ceremony for this ambitious project was presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in July 2023. With Chinese support, C-5 is set to become Pakistan’s largest and most advanced nuclear power facility. Upon completion, the 1,200 MW plant will elevate Pakistan’s nuclear energy capacity to 4,760 MW, delivering clean, affordable electricity and reducing reliance on costly fossil fuels.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar highlighted the critical role of nuclear energy in enhancing energy security and socio-economic development. Minister Ahsan Iqbal lauded the project as a symbol of the enduring Pak-China strategic partnership, emphasizing its potential to create thousands of jobs and support Pakistan’s transition to a technology-driven economy.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong praised the collaboration, noting that it reflects the resilience of Pak-China relations in an uncertain global landscape. He outlined broader initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including efforts to establish a “Green Corridor” focusing on renewable energy, smart city development, and agriculture modernization.
The C-5 project underscores decades of successful nuclear collaboration between Pakistan and China, serving as a testament to their shared commitment to clean energy and sustainable development. It is poised to become a cornerstone in addressing Pakistan’s energy challenges while strengthening bilateral ties.
As construction progresses, C-5 stands as a beacon of progress, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation and the pursuit of a shared future between the two nations.
Story by Israr Khan
