PM Shehbaz Stresses Clean Energy at Chashma-5 Dome Ceremony

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended a ceremony marking the dome placement at the Chashma-5 (C-5) nuclear power plant near Mianwali, and said nuclear power is central to Pakistan’s clean energy and energy security. The ceremony was also attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Milestone for the Plant

According to a government press release, the 1,200 MW plant is expected to begin generating electricity in September 2030. The dome placement marks the end of civil works and the start of internal construction and installation. C-5 is Pakistan’s seventh nuclear plant, built with Chinese assistance. The prime minister, who attended the groundbreaking in July 2023, said the dome was placed ahead of schedule.

PM’s Remarks

Shehbaz Sharif described the plant as “a promise of clean, reliable and affordable electricity.” He said nuclear power provides electricity that is not tied to imported fuel prices or weather conditions, and that Pakistan, as a climate-vulnerable country, needs energy solutions that support both growth and environmental protection. He credited Pakistani and Chinese engineers and workers, thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping, praised the Pakistan-China partnership and said he was confident the project would be commissioned ahead of time.

Role of Nuclear Power

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar said Pakistan’s nuclear plants generate 3,530MW and avoid 15 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. They supply about 16.6% of electricity generation despite making up 8.6% of installed capacity, and the nuclear share rises to 26% in winter.