Pakistan has achieved a major construction milestone at the Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant in Mianwali after the successful installation of the reactor building’s dome.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the dome-placement ceremony on November 10, 2026, alongside Chinese officials, engineers and representatives of relevant organisations.
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) described the development as an important step forward for the country’s nuclear energy programme.
Chashma-5 to Generate 1,200 Megawatts of Electricity
The Chashma-5 (C-5) nuclear power project is designed to generate 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
According to the government announcement, the plant is expected to begin electricity generation in September 2030.
Once operational, it will add a significant source of nuclear-generated electricity to Pakistan’s national power grid.
Shehbaz Sharif Praises Pakistani and Chinese Engineers
Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the hard work of Pakistani and Chinese engineers, technicians and workers involved in the project.
He said the successful dome placement ahead of schedule reflected the dedication and cooperation of both countries.
The prime minister also highlighted the importance of reliable, low-carbon electricity for Pakistan’s economic development and energy security.
He thanked China’s leadership and its technical teams for their continued support of the project.
Asim Munir Attends Major Nuclear Energy Ceremony
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, also attended the event.
Chinese officials and senior representatives of organisations involved in the construction were present at the ceremony.
The project reflects continuing cooperation between Pakistan and China in the civilian nuclear energy sector.
Nuclear Energy’s Growing Role in Pakistan
According to the PAEC chairman, Pakistan’s existing nuclear power plants are generating approximately 3,530 megawatts of electricity.
He said nuclear energy accounts for around 16.6 percent of Pakistan’s total electricity generation, despite representing approximately 8.6 percent of installed power capacity.
The chairman also highlighted the contribution of nuclear power to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
What Does the Dome Placement Mean?
The installation of the dome is an important construction milestone in a nuclear power plant.
It marks substantial progress in the construction of the reactor building and allows further internal construction and equipment installation to proceed.
However, the project still requires additional construction, installation, testing and regulatory steps before it can begin commercial electricity generation.
The Chashma-5 project is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s energy security and expand its access to reliable, low-carbon electricity when it becomes operational.
