Newsletter of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
July-August, 2005 PAEC-IAEA Research Coordination Workshop on “Use of Irradiation to Ensure Hygienic Quality of Fruits, Vegetables and Foods” PAEC to install Irradiation Plants for enhancing shelf life of perishables to give boost to exports
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission plans to install irradiation plants in various parts of the country to enhance the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and food items for giving boost to exports.
This was stated by Mr. Parvez Butt, Chairman, PAEC while inaugurating a one- week PAEC/IAEA Research Coordination Workshop on irradiation of fruits and vegetables to ensure hygienic quality and enhancing their shelf life on July 25, 2005.
Speaking on the necessity of putting up irradiation plants to enhance the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, Mr. Butt told that a very big part of these items is wasted because of their short natural shelf life, and enhancing the same through the use of irradiation would bring better returns to the farmers and a continued supply for a longer time to the consumers. Mr. Parvez Butt, Chairman, PAEC presiding the inaugural session of the workshop. To his right is Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, Member (Biosciences), PAEC and to left is IAEA expert Dr. Tatiana Rubio-Cabello Extension of shelf life and microbiological safety through the application of nuclear its dividends can be multiplied manifold only additional income to the farmers, he added. technology, will not only offer longer export through technical support services towards Speaking on the occasion, IAEA expert proceedings in fresh condition, but will also enhancement of production, preservation Dr. Tatiana Rubio-Cabello informed that find better acceptability by the consumers and value addition. IAEA project for commercial irradiation abroad as it will satisfy hygienic plants involves active joint research requirements of WTO regime, he added In his welcome address, Dr. Kauser Abdulla between Member States which have . Malik, Member (Biosciences), PAEC generated valuable information in this All the provinces have placed the informed that PAEC has focused its regard. Food preservation is an issue of requirement of setting up food irradiation research on agriculture, health and economic worth and irradiation is a good plants at many zones and PAEC is fully environment since very long. We put up an alternative for this purpose, she added. capable to meet this demand through irradiation plant in 1987 at Lahore which is indigenous manufacturing, installation and providing sterilization services for surgical Director of PAEC's Nuclear Institute for operations as per strict international and medical goods and we are running 13 Food and Agriculture Peshawar, requirements, Mr. Butt informed. cancer hospitals benefitting more than Mr. Sanaullah Khattak informed that his 3,50,000 cancer patients annually. We have centre has contributed significantly to Chairman, PAEC stated that agriculture is also evolved more than 50 high-yield food reducing post-harvest losses of crops and the backbone of the national economy but and cash crops which are fetching billions of eco-friendly technology for pest control. Pakistan Highest Recipient of IAEA Technical Assistance
By virtue of its active participation in the position among the list of Member States Institutes. IAEA Technical Co-operation Programme, receiving Technical Assistance from the extensive expert services and training to IAEA in Asia and the Pacific Region during It may be recalled that based upon its IAEA Fellows at PAEC establishments, the last three years (2002-2004). Prior to competence and credibility, some of the Pakistan has recently risen to be the highest that, it was placed third and second during PINSTECH labs have been declared as recipient of IAEA Technical Assistance Regional Resource Unit of IAEA. among the Member States. It was among the years 2000 and 2001, respectively. the top ten (5th, 7th, 6th, 8th) during the This ever increasing expansion of Technical Twenty four IAEA funded Technical years 2000-2003. Assistance Programme is due to recognition Cooperation Projects are currently by IAEA of our excellent utilization of the Pakistan has also maintained the top operational at various PAEC Centres/ assistance. 30th International Nathiagali Summer College Concludes Nathiagali Colleges Imparting Intellectual Enrichment & Economic Uplift: Dr. Masud Nathiagali College Effective Forum for Promoting International Scientific Cooperation: Professor Peter Bowmann
Group photo taken at the concluding ceremony
International Nathiagali Summer College economic development are solely in the years to come and this activity will initiated by PAEC due to the vision of Dr. attributable to its quality human resource prove that “Physicists are not only busy in Abdus Salam 30 years back had the dual which is its most vital asset and the unifying forces of nature but that they objective of intellectual enrichment of the development of which remains our prime themselves are a unified force which is scientific community and socio-economic priority. striving to transform this chaotic and violent development of the country through a blend world into a place of tranquility and of topics on pure science and real world Dr. Masud said PAEC attracted and prosperity”. technological issues. retained best scientific minds even during worst periods of brain drain in the country's Speaking on the behalf of the foreign This was stated by Dr. Masud Ahmad, history by providing stimulating intellectual faculty,Professor Peter Bowmann f rom Member (Physical Sciences), PAEC in his atmosphere, attractive work conditions and Germany lauded the utility of the college th address to the concluding session of 30 challenging tasks through logically built in terms of promoting international International Nathiagali Summer Collegeon organizational structure coupled with its cooperation and addressing the latest July 13, 2005. The college was jointly inspiring leadership. scientific advances. organized by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and National Centre Member, PAEC said that, apart from our Dr. Khalid from Egypt appreciated the for Physics (NCP). core agenda of nation building, we have organizers for hosting an international taken a number of initiatives to boost gathering on important scientific themes. The activities of the colleges have strived to science in the country by organizing spring up individuals with leadership National Physics Talent Contest, the Dr. Hafeez Hoorani, Scientific Secretary of qualities by offering the exchange of winners of which represent Pakistan at the college presented details on the information on new frontiers of knowledge International Olympiads; participation of proceedings and contents of this between the scientists of the West and our young scholars in the Lindau Meeting of International discourse on “Physics and those from developing countries and has Nobel laureates; our collaboration with Contemporary Needs”. also provided a linkage between expatriate Pakistani universities for research and our Pakistani scientists working in advance outreach to the industry to help it acquire Dr. Asif Salahuddin, Executive Secretary countries to some of the active research competitive capability. informed that 6 Nobel laureates and 880 groups back home, Dr. Masud informed. foreign scientists from as many as 72 Dr. Masud concluded by assuring the countries have participated in the Talkingabout salutary affects of well-trained international gathering of scientists that proceedings of International Nathiagali cadres of scientists & engineers, Dr. Masud these annual colleges will continue to be Summer Colleges during last 30 years told that achievements of PAEC in the organized with even greater zeal and vigor including 5500 local scientists drawn from domains of national security and socio R&D Institutes, universities and colleges. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission battling against cancer Excerpts taken from a feature authored by Associated Press of Pakistan and carried by national press
We hear about cancer nearly every other other diseases and their treatment has with more developed countries through day yet many of us still do not know what received considerable recognition and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) this deadly disease actually is and how it is acclaim in the public and health circles. and bilateral relations with friendly caused and treated. countries. As per PAEC, more than 327,000 patients Cancer is a group of more than 100 different are benefiting from PAEC cancer care PAEC facilitates the access of its doctors diseases. It occurs when cells become facilities annually. and scientists to the international institutes abnormal and keep dividing and forming and research organizations. This provides more cells without any control or order. The Commission has also large resource them with frequent opportunities of training, base and operational facilities for timely through these visits and participation in A recent evidence indicates a correlation repair and maintenance and to renovate, international meetings and conferences between the increased use of chemicals modernize and upgrade sophisticated and thus keeping abreast with the day-to- found in some plastics, pesticides and electromechanical equipments at their own. day changes occurring at the horizon of bleached paper, and certain medical field. transformations in the endocrine system. Last year, 192,000 patients were provided These chemicals could very well be the diagnostic facilities by the Nuclear Medicine The Commission also extends expert cause of increased rates of breast and other Departments using short lived isotopes, services to regional countries for the use of cancers. obtaining planar, SPECT and whole-body nuclear techniques through IAEA technical images of the diseased organs using cooperation programmes. Only about 30 percent of breast cancer gamma camera. These images provide cases can be attributed to known risk information about the shape, size Moreover, the standards of education and factors. Other possible factors included physiological and functional status of the training at PAEC's medical establishments pesticides, automobile exhaust, landfills, organs. water contaminants, electromagnetic fields are high enough that many foreign students are studying here for their postgraduate and eterocyclic amines, which are found in Facilities are also available for the qualification especially in nuclear medicine. cooked meats. treatment of thyrotoxicosis, thyroid cancer, polycythemia, palliative bone pain, In Pakistan, the number of cancer patients malignant pleural and peritoneal effusion Research work continued on 16 IAEA is growing and this life threatening disease etc. sponsored and 37 other research projects has become a major health hazard. Like in collaboration with different international other organizations,Pakistan Atomic Radioimmunoassay techniques are used to and national institutes. Energy Commission (PAEC) has geared up detect small quantities of hormones and its efforts to control the cancer. antibodies. The assays routinely carried out Recently IAEA has granted a project at PAEC medical centres include thyroid, worth US$280,000 on quality control and Having made its niche in nuclear power and pituitary and other endocrine hormones and quality assurance of Nuclear Medicine agriculture fields, the PAEC has established tumour markers. and Radiotherapy Machines. 13 centres which are providing latest facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of Besides Radiology, Mammography and Pakistani patients spend millions of various diseases including cancer. Ultrasound for diagnosis, evaluation and dollars for seeking treatment of cancer- prognosis of diseases are also available. related diseases abroad, which calls for The contribution of the Commission not only adding many more such cancer through its integrated programme in the PAEC's nuclear medical centres have the hospitals but also with more elaborate diagnosis of different kinds of cancers and added advantage of international contacts and high-quality facilities. (APP) Radiation and Radioisotopes in Service of Humanity Activepar ticipation of PAEC’s PINUM in PCSIR industrial exhibition at Faisalabad Use of radiation and radioisotopes has become an important modality for the diagnosis and treatment of different disorders. However, radiations are still feared by general public and medical personnel due to lack of proper information of the subject. The risks and benefits of radioisotopes have to be introduced at open forum for proper orientation in general public and the doctors.
In an effort to achieve this target, PAEC’s cancer hospital namely Punjab Institute of People gathering necessary information and literature from PINUM stall in the PCSIR industrial exhibition Nuclear Medicine (PINUM), Faisalabad at Faisalabad established 21-day camp in Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Medical doctors, scientists and technical PINUM stall and gathered necessary Research (PCSIR) exhibition at staff of PINUM worked hard day and night to information and literature. The camp set by introduce the risks and benefits of isotopes Faisalabad. The objective was to provide PINUM was also visited by Federal Minister especially radioactive iodine (131 I) which is for Textile and Industry, Mr. Mushtaq Ali medical cover in the exhibition and the major isotope used for treatment of inculcate orientation regarding risks and thyroid cancer and many thyroid diseases. Cheema and the honorable ambassador of benefits of radioisotopes being used for Philippine who declared it a great effort by diagnosis and treatment within the institute. Thousands of people from the city visited PINUM authorities. PAEC's Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) Celebrates Its 40 Years of Existence with Style and Substance
Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) Tando Jam, established in 1963 as the first establishment of PAEC in agriculture completed its glorious forty years. During these four decades, the institute has grown under the leadership of seven directors, namely Dr. Shaukat Ahmad (late) (1963- 1970 &1972-1984), Dr. Abdul Razzaque Azmi (1970-1972 & 1984-1992), Dr. Khushnood Ahmed Siddiqui (1992- 1997), Dr. S. Shamshad Mehdi Naqvi (1997-1999), Dr. Muhammad Ashraf (1999- 2000), Dr. Raziuddin Ansari (2000-2002) and Dr. Mazhar Hussain Naqvi (2002- todate). Ex-Directors addressing the function of NIA Dr. K.A. Siddiqui (1992-97). Dr. A.R. Azmi (1984-92) Dr. M.H. Naqvi(2002-todate), Son of Dr. Shaukat Ahmad (1963-84), The institute recently organized Forty Dr. R. Ansari (2000-02), Dr. Muhammad Ashraf (1999-2000) Years Anniversary celebrations and invited all the ex-directors to pay tributes to their supported by two senior scientists to the function in spite of his poor health. The dedicated services. dais. institute is now considered as one of the best institutes in agricultural research in the Dr. Sohail Ahmad, represented his father After the recitation from the Holy Quran, the country and has developed 16 high yielding, late Dr. Shaukat Ahmad, the founder traditional gifts of Ajrak were presented to well adapted disease resistant/tolerant and Directorof the institute. All the ex-directors the guests. Dr. Mazhar Hussain Naqvi, improved quality varieties of crops. The graced the occasion with their presence. Director NIA, welcomed the ex-directors institute has also developed an effective They received standing ovation from the and appreciated their significant role in the pest management system of different crops staff and scientists on their arrival in the uplift of the institute and the achievements with minimum cost and environmental auditorium for the function. Dr. M. Ashraf, during the last forty years. He especially impact. On this occasion, citation of each ex was not in the best of the health and was thanked Dr. Muhammad Ashraf who had director was read and shields were traveled a long distance to participate in the presented.
Participation in International IAEA Experts Visit A.E Minerals Publications and Presentations in Symposium at IAEA Centre, Lahore Cancer Treatment Domain 1.Dr. S. Rafaqat Ali Jafri (Director NORI) Under the group leadership of Dr. Khalil Technical Officer of IAEA Ms. K. J. Wenrich participated in the course on Ahmed Qureshi, Member (Nuclear Fuel and Dr. G. Ruhrmann, IAEA Expert, visited “Environmental Health for MPH Class Cycle), PAEC, two geo-scientists namely Atomic Energy Minerals Centre, Lahore for 2004” as Guest Speaker for the session Dr. K. A. Butt, Director General, Atomic 11 days during May-June 2005 under on “Radiation and its Impacts on Energy Minerals Centre, Lahore and Technical Cooperation Project Environment and Health”, held at Health Mr. Sarfraz Ahmed Malik, Project Manager, “Investigation of Uranium Source in Services Academy, Islamabad on 13-4- Insitu Leach Mining and Processing Sedimentary, Igneous and Metamorphic 2005. Project, Qabul Khel participated in Environments”. 2.Article published in Journal of international symposium on “Uranium College of Physicians and Surgeon of Production and Resource Materials for Dr. K.A. Butt, Director General AEMC Pakistan (JCSP): “Sentinel Node Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Supply and Demand, apprised them of Geology of Pakistan and Localization in Breast Carcinoma” [Dr. Economics, the Environment and Energy uranium occurrences in Pakistan. A Shazia Fatima, Dr. S. Rafaqat Ali Jafri] Security” from June 20th - 24 th 2005 at IAEA quantum of Data collected on availability JCPSP 2005;Vol 15(4):215-217 April Headquarters, Vienna,Austria. (source) of uranium in various geological 2005. environments was presented. The areas 3.Dr. Saif ul Haque delivered a include Siwaliks/sandstone of Potwar presentation/lecture on “PET and PET- Upgradation of NIAB Plateau, Bannu Basin, Kohat Plateau, CT Imaging in Oncology” to the PAEC's Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Permian Sandstones of the Salt Range, Radiology Department, PIMS, Islamabad Biology (NIAB) has made significant Granite Gneiss of Malakand, Ambela and on 16-5- 2005. contribution in the field of agriculture and Ilum Grantic complexes of Mardan and 4.Mr. Saeed-ur-Rahman (SS) presented a biology. However, shortage of working Lower Swat. paper in International Conference on space and equipment was felt to expand the “Environmentally Sustainable research activities at the Institute. The visiting experts gave lectures on Development”, held at Abbottabad from Therefore, a PC-I was submitted to significance of uranium source rocks. 26-28 June, 2005. Government of Pakistan for up-gradation of Characteristics of sedimentary type 5.Dr. Humera Mehmood (SMO) delivered a NIAB, and was approved at a cost of Rs. uranium deposits and High Grade Uranium presentation/lecture on “Diet and 88.89 million. deposits were described. Additionally Cancer” to post-graduate students at project sites in Granitic complexes of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, Member (PIMS) in Grand Round on 29-6-2005. (Admin/Biosciences) performed the earth Mansehra and peri-granitic environments breaking ceremony of the new laboratory of Ambela Complex, Mardan were also 6.Dr. Muhammad Faheem (PMO) blocks at NIAB on April 8, 2005. The visited. On site observations and delivered a presentation /lecture on “Hazards of Smoking” to post-graduate addition of new laboratory blocks will help in discussions were very beneficial for future students at (PIMS) in Grand Round on strategy and project implementation. strengthening of the research projects at 29-6-2005. NIAB. AsgharAliretiresafter38yearsmeritoriousserviceinPAEC ServedIAEAandnumerousexpertassignmentsabroad
Aglimpseoftheparticipantsofthefarewellceremony Mr.JavedIqleem,MemberPower(centre)presentingfarewellsouvenirto Mr.AsgharAliKhan(extremeright)
MemberPower,PAECMr.JavedIqleem, facilitiesarenoteworthy,headded. herenderedhisservicesforthe alongwithastringofseniorscientistsand evaluationandimplementationofabout engineersofPAECpaidglowingtributesto Mr.AsgharAliKhanhasbeenamemberof 20individualcountryTCprojectsand3 Mr.AsgharAliKhan,chiefscientistand theoldestPAECteamwhichpioneeredthe regionalprojects.Heworkedforthe Director,NationalCentreforNon- developmentofnon-destructivetesting preparationofnumeroustextbooks DestructiveTesting(NCNDT)whoretired (NDT)technologyintheCommissionsince whichareextensivelyusedthroughout afterputtingin38yearsofmeritorious midsixties. Hehasbeenthemaindriving theworldforteachingofNDT serviceswithPakistanAtomicEnergy forcebehindtheestablishmentofNational technology. Commission. CentreforNDT(NCNDT),creationof PakistanSocietyforNDT(PASNT)and WhileatthedisposalofIAEA,heworkedfor Speakingattheoccasion offarewell issuanceofaPAECstandardprocedurefor thepromotionofNDTtechnologyinthe ceremony aschiefguest,Member(Power) trainingandcertificationofNDTpersonnel worldandestablishedadditionalcontacts informedthat PAEChasplayeda (PAEC/SES/NDT-001).Hehasbeenthe withnumerousorganizationssuchas leadershiproleinintroducingnon- founderPresidentofPakistanSocietyfor EuropeanFederationofNDTSocieties, destructivetestinginthecountrybytraining NonDestructiveTesting(PASNT),isFellow InternationalCommitteeforNDT,ISO,etc. andcertifyingprofessionalsinthisfieldwho ofPASNTandaFellowofPakistanNuclear whichcontributedtoenrichmentofIAEA’s wereneededforPAEC’sownprogramme Society(PNS). technicalresourcesinthesubject. andforthelocalindustry.Presently,almost allNDTpersonnelinthecountryhavebeen Mr.AsgharAliKhanalsoservedon InrecognitionofthevaluableservicesofMr. trainedbyCommission’sNDTCentreand deputationtotheInternationalAtomic Khan,hehasbeenappointedasAdvisor contributionofMr.AsgharAliKhanfor EnergyAgencyasTechnicalOfficer NCNDTforatermoftwoyearsstartingfrom settingupthesetrainingandcertification (1998-2001).DuringhisstayattheIAEA, May2005. DiplomainNuclearMedicineTechnology(DNMT) MoUsignedbetween PAEC’sPunjabInstituteofNuclearMedicine(PINUM) andGovt.CollegeofParamedicsFaisalabad PAECtolaunchcampaignforcancerawareness:Dr.KauserAbdullaMalik
MemorandumofUnderstanding(MoU) betweenPAEC’sPunjabInstituteof NuclearMedicine(PINUM)andGovt. CollegeofParamedics(GCOP) wassigned inaceremonyatChenabClub,Faisalabad onJuly,26,th 2005 wherebyPAECwill provideeducationandtrainingleadingto DiplomainNuclearMedicineTechnology (DNMT).TheMoUwassignedinpresence ofDr.KauserAbdullaMalik,Member (Biosciences),PAECwhowasthechief guest. Sitting(LtoR)Dr.KhawajaZaeemAslam,PrincipalGCOP,andDr.JavedIrfanullah,Director,PINUM,Faisalabadsigning theMoUwhileDr.KauserAbdullahMalik,Member(Biosciences)lookson. Speakingontheoccasion,DrKauser AbdullaMaliksaidthatthirteennuclear DrKauserAbdullaMalikdeclareditasa manpoweroftechniciansforhospitalsrunby medicinecentersofPAECareproviding greatachievementofPakistanAtomic diagnosticandtherapeuticfacilitiesto PakistanAtomicEnergyCommission.He thousandsofpatientsannually.Highly EnergyCommission.Healsoremindedthat alsostresseduponthefuturedemandof sophisticatedequipmentsandtrained in1980's,similarcourseformedicaldoctors techniciansasPAECisgoingtobuild nine medicalpersonnelprovideservicesof wasofferedbyPakistanInstituteof more nuclearmedicinecentersinnear internationalstandard.Heappreciated EngineeringandAppliedSciences(PIEAS), future.OnbehalfofPAEC, Dr.Kauser DirectorPINUMasapioneerofthediploma whichresultedinfulfillmentofdemandof AbdullaMalikannouncedfivescholarships coursefornuclearmedicinetechniciansin trainednuclearmedicinespecialistsin forDNMTstudents. Pakistan. Pakistan.DNMTwillalsoprovidetrained PAECtodesign,manufacture scientistswiththefarmingcommunitycan NIAconductsThirdAnnual bewitnessedbytheiractiveparticipationin andsupplythermalseawater (2004-05)In-HouseResearch fielddaysandfarmers'days.Besides publishingEighthFiveYearsResearch desalinationplantsfor Reviewforenhancingquality productionofsafedrinking Progress(asFortyYearsReport),the andquantumofservicesto institutehaspublishedotherbooklets water containinginformationforfarmersandother endusers. PAECsignedacollaborationagreement farmers withASTERofItalytojointlydesign, PAEC’sNuclearInstituteofAgriculture manufactureandsupplythermalseawater desalinationplantsforthedomesticand (NIA),TandoJamconducteditsThird IAEAAppreciationforPAEC’s internationalmarkets.Acontractwasalso AnnualIn-HouseResearchReviewfrom signedforthefirstplanttobebuiltatKarachi July11-15,2005.Theprimeobjectiveofthis ScientificInformationDivision NuclearPowerComplex.ItwillbeaMulti- activitywastoreviewtheongoingresearch atPINSTECH EffectDistillation(MED)plantof042million programmesofallthescientificdivisions, vizPlantGenetics,Agriculture GallonsPerDay(MGPD)capacity.Itwill “ScientificInformationDivision(SID), Biotechnology,Entomology,Plant usethesteamfromtheKarachiNuclear PINSTECHhasreceivedaletterof PowerPlanttoprovidethermalenergyto PhysiologyandSoilScience. appreciationfromINIA-IAEAfor theMEDplant.Theequipmentwillbe Dr.MazharHussainNaqvi,Directorofthe manufacturedatHMC-3,andKANUPP commendablecontributionofSIDto wouldcarryoutthenecessary institute,inhisopeningremarkshighlighted strengthenitscomprehensiveINIS modificationsandcoordination. thegoalsandachievementsoftheresearch database.INIS(InternationalNuclear atNIA.Hementionedthatthehighyielding InformationSystem)islargebibliographic ThisisaNuclearDesalination varietiesofcropsdevelopedbythisinstitute databasemaintainedatIAEAHeadquarters DemonstrationProjectunderIAEA'sRCA havemadesignificant impactonthe atViennaintheareaofnuclearscienceand programme.AnIAEAexpertMr. Jacques nationaleconomy. technologyandrelatedsubjects.Mr. Andrianneparticipatedinthe Thebio-controltechnologyofinsectpest ShahidRiazKhan,HeadSIDisINISLiaison preparationofthecontractagreement managementisbecomingpopularamong OfficerforPakistan.Thisisthesecond andnegotiationsheldat PAEC farmers.Thecropproductiontechnologyof consecutiveyearthatSIDhasreceived Headquarters. thisinstituteandcollaborationofthe appreciationfromIAEA”.
One-DaySeminaron “Qualitymanagementandit'ssignificanceinthepresentScenario” ByDirectorateofQualityAssurance(DQA),PAECatPINUM,Faisalabad.
Astheworldhasbecomea globalvillage andmedicalinvestigationsandlaboratory reportsarealsoevaluatedthroughthe fastestchannelsofinformationtechnology, hospitalsandlaboratoriesarefacingthe challengeofcredibilityandquality assurance.PunjabInstituteofNuclear Medicine(PINUM)Faisalabadisstrivingfor ISO9001-2000certificationthrough DirectorateofQualityAssurance(DQA), PAEC.
Toinculcateorientationregarding importanceofqualityassurancein hospitals,onedayseminaron“Quality Managementandit'sSignificanceinthe PresentScenario”was arrangedbyDQAat PhotographofthedoctorsofPINUMhospitalwithDirectorQualityAssurance,PAEC(thirdfromleft)and PINUMhospital,FaisalabadonJuly,16,th Dr.JavedIrfanullah,(secondfromleft)Director,PINUM,Faisalabad ontheoccasionoftheseminar 2005.Allthetechnical/non-technical officersandstaffoftheinstitutekeenly ManagementCoursesatCHASNUPP-1 attendedtheproceedings. CHASNUPPCentreofNuclearTraining techniques.Thesecoursesareapreliminary (CHASCENT)organizedtwomanagement partofaManagementImprovement Mr.MuhammadAzim,DirectorDQA,gave Programmewhichwillultimatelybenefit detailedpresentationonthesubjectwith coursesrelatedtotrainingthroughPakistan InstituteofManagementtoenhancethe fromIAEATechnicalCooperationalso. specialreferencetoimportanceofquality Thesetwocoursesdealtwith: assuranceinhospitals.Intheend,director abilitiesofengineersandscientistsworking DQAvisitedallthedivisionsofPINUMand inthedifferentprojectsofPAECingeneral, andparticularlyatCHASNUPP-1.Thirty 1.TrainingTechniques 12-14July,2005. highlyappreciatedthestandardofworkand for Trainers hopedforearlyISO9001-2000certification officers(engineers/scientists)participated oftheinstitute. ineachcoursetolearnthetraining 2.TrainingNeedAnalysis27July,2005. Chairman'sAssignment viii.Mr.JoseLuisGonzalezGomez(Spain) Scientist,PINSTECHhasbeenposted Abroad andMr.BernardNeerdael(Belgium), asMinister(Technical)atPermanent IAEATechnicalOfficersvisitedPAEC MissionofPakistan,Geneva, HQ,Islamabadfrom13-15June,2005 Switzerlandforaperiodoftwoyears Mr.ParvezButt,Chairman,PAECattended andKarachiNuclearPowerComplex from10July,2005to9July,2007. MeetingoftheIAEABoardofgovernors as (KNPC),Karachion16June,2005to GovernorfromPakistan.TheMeetingtook ReviewRadioactiveWasteDataand placeat IAEA,Vienna(Austria)from16-17 discussthePAECPolicyonRadioactive AppointmentwithOPCW June,2005. WasteManagement. Mr.MunirAhmedSheikh,Principal AssignmentsofIAEAExperts ix.Mr.AlexanderToth(Slovak),IAEAStaff Engineer,PAEChasbeenappointedas inPakistan Member,Mr.IvoKouklik(Czech Inspector(ChemicalProduction Republic)andMr.PenttiJohannes Technologist)atOrganizationforthe i.Mr.JavierYlleraSanchez(Spain),Mr. Koutaniemi(Finland),IAEAExperts ProhibitionofChemicalWeapons TiborCzabaSzikszai(Hungary)andMr. conductedNationalMeetingon (OPCW),Hague,Netherlandsfora JohnWilliamStetkar(USA),IAEA ImprovingRegulatoryUtilityInterfaceat periodofthreeyearsfrom11July,2005 ExpertsconductedIAEATraining PNRA,Islamabadfrom20-24June, to10July,2008. CourseonSafetyAssessmentofthe 2005underRegionalProject- StrengtheningManagementof NuclearRegulatoryBodyatPNRA, VisitofForeignerstoPakistan Islamabadfrom2-6May,2005under OperationalSafetyatNPPs. Project-StrengtheningofNuclear x.Mr.LinGe(People’sRepublicofChina) Mr.IngoGleisner,ProjectDesign RegulatoryAuthority. undertookassignmentatNational CentreforNon-DestructiveTesting EngineeraccompaniedbyDr.Gerhard (NCNDT),Scientific&Engineering WagnerandMr.DieterNovotnyfrom ii.Mr.IngemarLund(Sweden)andMr.Carl ServicesDirectorate,PAEC,Islamabad M/sHansWalischmiller,Germany GoeranLindvall(Sweden)IAEAExperts from4-8July,2005forTask:ToImpart visitedPINSTECH,Islamabadfrom11- carriedoutMissionatPNRA,Islamabad KnowledgeofISIofNPPandtoprovide 15July,2005fordiscussiononBasic from2-6May,2005forTask:Self ExpertAdvicefortheImprovements EngineeringDesignoftheFacilityas AssessmentofRegulatory underProject-DevelopmentofIn- wellasonLaboratoryPlan. EffectivenessinOccupationRadiation serviceInspectionFacilitiesforNuclear ProtectionatNPPSunderRegional Project-ImprovingOccupational PowerPlants. VisitofPSDPExpertsto RadiationProtectioninNuclearPower Pakistan Plants. xi.MrBerislavNadnic(Croatia)undertook assignmentatKarachiNuclearPower Complex(KNPC),Karachifrom11-15 iii.Mr.Sung-ChoulChoiandMr.Song-Sik i.Dr.MuhammadNawaz,Specialistin July,2005forTask:Assistancein EngineeringandAppliedSciences Kim(RepublicofKorea)undertook DevelopmentofErosion/Corrosion assignmentatCHASNUPP,Kundian (residinginSweden)iscurrently ProgrammeunderProject-Improving undertakingassignmentatOptics andKNPC,Karachifrom9-13May,2005 SafetyFeatureofKANUPP(Phase-II) underProject-Supportingand Laboratories(OLabs),PAECand StrengtheningOperationalSafety PIEAS,Islamabadforonemontheach ManagementofCHASNUPP. AssignmentsofPAECExperts w.e.f.22June,2005. Abroad iv.Dr.RenatoPadovaniandDr.Carlo ii.Dr.GhulamM.ShahSyed,Specialistin Meccia(Italy)conductedWorkshopon NuclearMedicine(presentlyresidngin i.Dr.KauserAbdullaMalik,Member Kuwait)undertookassignmentat InterventionalandDiagnosticRadiation (BiologicalSciences)cumMember atAghaKhanUniversityHospital, PakistanInstituteofEngineeringand (Administration),PAECIslamabad AppliedSciences(PIEAS),Islamabad Karachifrom9-13May,2005under undertookExternalReviewMission IAEARegionalProject-Strengthening foraperiodoftwoweeksfrom18-24 from6-10June,2005atInternational July,2005andoneweekatInstituteof RadiologicalProtectionofPatientsand CentreforAgriculturalResearchinthe MedicalExposureControl. NuclearMedicineandOncology DryAreas(ICARDA),Aleppo,Syrian (INMOL)Lahorefrom25-31July,2005 ArabRepublic. underPSDPProgramme. v.Mr.LeeCollinsandDr.AnthonyPaul (Australia)conductedWorkshopon ii.Dr.ManzoorAhmadChoudhry,Deputy iii.Dr.SaberBashir,SpecialistinBlood NuclearMedicineatShaukatKhanum ChiefEngineer,RIAD,PINSTECH, CancerHospital,Lahorefrom16-20 Transfusion,ClinicalBiochemistry, Islamabadundertookassignmentasan Hematologyundertooktwoweeks May,2005underProject-Strengthening IAEAExpertatBangkok,Thailandfrom RadiologicalProtectionofPatientsand assignmentatINMOL,Lahorefrom24 6-15June,2005forTask: July,2005. MedialExposureControl. StandardizationofTritium MeasurementandDataInterpretation vi.Ms.KarenJaneWenrich(USA),IAEA underProject-IsotopeTechniquesfor ForeignTraineesinPakistan TechnicalOfficerandDr.Gerfhard GroundwaterContaminationStudiesin Ruhrmann(Germany)IAEAExpert UrbanizedandIndustrialAreas. i.Dr.Zia-ud-dinAhmed,DirectorGeneral, undertookMissionatAtomicEnergy BangladeshInstituteofNuclear MineralsCentre,Lahoreandotherduty iii.Dr.FauziaYusuf,DeputyChief Agriculture(BINA),andDr.M.A.Sattar, stationsfrom25Mayto6June,2005 Scientist,Head,BiofertilizerDivision, CSO/HeadSoilScienceDivision(BINA) underProject-InvestigationofUranium NIBGE,FaisalabadundertookExpert visitedNIBGE,Faisalabadfrom17-23 sourcesinSedimentary,Igneousand MissionatBangladeshInstituteof May,2005fortraininginthefieldof MetamorphicEnvironments. NuclearAgriculture(BINA), AzospirillumTechnologyunderTechnical Mymensingh,Bangladeshfrom10-21 AssistanceProjectofIDBentitled: vii.Mr.JacquesAndrainne(Belgium), June,2005underIslamicDevelopment EstablishmentofBiofertilizerResource DesalinationExpertvisitedDirectorate Bank(IDB)assistedProject- CentreatBINA,Bangladesh. GeneralReactorEngineering(DGRE), EstablishmentofBiofertilizerResource PAEC,Islamabadfrom31-15June, Centre. ii.Mr.MuhammadZahoor-Ul-Islam 2005underIAEATechnical (Bangladeshnational) hasstarted6 CoordinationProject-Developmentof monthstrainingatNIBGE,Faisalabad DemonstrationPlantforNuclear PostinginMissionAbroad from29June,2005inthefieldof Desalination. AzospirillumTechnologyunderIDB Dr.ImtinanElahiQureshi,DeputyChief FellowshipProgramme. PAECtoestablishninemorecancerhospitals Chairman,PAECopens3rd InternationalOncologyConference
PakistanAtomicEnergyCommissionplans tostrengthenitsnuclearmedicine programmefocusingontheexpansionof nuclearmedicalcentrenetworkacrossthe country. ThiswasannouncedbyPAECChairman, ParvezButtwhilespeakingataformal inauguralceremonyoftheThird InternationalOncologyandNuclear MedicineConferenceandtheFirst InternationalConferenceonPaediatric OncologyheldatalocalhotelinKarachion July08,2005. Hesaidthatinordertoutilizeatomicenergy forbringingrelieftopatients,thePAECwas establishingninemorecancerhospitalsin variousparts ofthecountryincludingGilgit, Gujranwala,Bannu,Swat,Nawabshah,D.I. Khan,D.G.Khan,RahimYarKhan, Mirpurkhasandtwocancerhospitalsin AzadKashmir,whilethecancercentreat theJPMCwouldalsoberenovatedand upgraded. Mr.ParvezButt,Chairman,PAECaddressingtheopeningsessionoftheconference “Wewillprovidecheck-upfacilityofbreast AbdullaMalik,Member(Biosciences),said establishedthirteenmedicalcentresthus canceratallofourhospitals,besides, thatPAEChasalwaysgivenhighpriorityto takingthisfacilityofimmensepublicutilityto deputingmobileteams,whichwilldirectly theapplicationofnucleartechnologyin allthefourprovincesofthecountry.Onan approachwomenforgettingthemchecked biosciencesespeciallyhealthand averagePAEC'smedicalcentresprovided forbreastcancer,”hetold. agriculturesectors.Thefirstnuclearmedical diagnosticandtreatmentfacilitiestoover centrebecameoperationalinKarachiin 350,000patientsannually. Speakingontheoccasion,Dr.Kauser 1960andinthelastfourdecades,wehave 10YoungPakistaniScholarsparticipateintheMeetingofNobelLaureates Aspartofitseffortstogroomscientifictalent andtoattractthemtolureofscientific careers,PakistanAtomicEnergy Commission(PAEC)incollaborationwith HigherEducationCommission(HEC) sponsored10youngscientistsfortheir participationinMeetingofNobelLaureates heldinLindau,GermanyfromJune26to July01,2005.Theyinclude:(1)Dr. MuhammadFawad-ul-Qamar(Medicine, KhyberMedicalCollege,Peshawar),(2)Dr. TehminaMasud(Pathology,ShifaCollege ofMedicine,Islamabad),(3)Dr.Wagma Nisar(Surgery,KhyberMedicalCollege, Peshawar),(4)Mr.AbdurRehman(MBBS Student,NishtarMedicalCollege,Multan), YoungscholarsfromPakistanledbyDr.N.M.ButtwithNobelLaureateProfessorHamiltonSmith (5)Mr.ShahidAli(Physics,NESCOM, Islamabad),(6)MissNailaYaqoob Committee. (FederalMinister),(3)Mr.ParvezButt, ChairmanPAEC,(4)Gen.IftikharAhmad (Chemistry,Govt.CollegeUniversity, Morethan700students/researchfellows Lahore)(7)MissSamiaFirdous(Chemistry, Malik,Principal,FoundationMedical wereselectedbytheLindauCommittee College,Rawalpindi,(5)Dr.AnisAhmad, Govt.CollegeUniversity,Lahore),(8)Miss fromallovertheworldtointeractwith44 FarihaTanwir(Biotechnology,NIGBE, Rector,RiphahUniversity,Islamabad,(6) Laureatesintherelatedfieldsofstudy.This Prof.KhawajaMasud,FormerPrincipal Faisalabad),(9)MissSaadiaNaseem interactionwasintheformoflectures, (Biology,NIBGE,Faisalabad),and(1)Mr. GordonCollege,(7)Prof.AnwarDil, informaldiscussions,roundtable ProfessorofLinguistics,USA,(8)Dr. ZaighamMahmoodKhan,(Molecular conferences,personaldiscussions,etc. Oncology,AgaKhanUniversity),Karachi. ShaukatHameedKhan,Advisor(P&D) Priortotheirdeparture,theseyoung Govt.ofPakistan,(10)Engr.Tajamal Thisannualactivitywasinitiatedin2003by scholarswereprovidedatwo-day Hussain,DirectorCOMSATS,(11)Dr.N.M. Dr.N.M.Butt,scientistemeritus,PAECwho orientationwhichwasaddressedby:(1)Dr. Butt,RepresentativeinPakistan, establishedcontactwiththeorganizersof IshfaqAhmad,SpecialAdvisortothePrime CommitteefortheMeetingsofNobel theeventandwhohasbeendeclaredas MinisteronStrategicProgramme,(2)Prof. LaureatesinLindau,(12)Mr.WaqarA.Butt, RepresentativeinPakistanfortheLindau Dr.Atta-ur-Rahman,ChairmanHEC ProgrammeCoordinator.
EditedandproducedbyMuhammadIjaz,Director,ScientificInformationandPublicRelations PakistanAtomicEnergyCommission,P.O.Box1114,Islamabad,e-mail:[email protected][email protected]