PNRA regulates the radiation facilities in Pakistan under PNRA Ordinance 2001 to ensure the protection of workers, patients, the public and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. PNRA has established regulatory framework for strengthening radiation safety based on IAEA safety standards and has notified "Regulations on Radiation Protection" and "Regulations for the Licensing and Authorization of Radiation Facility(ies) and Activity(ies)".
A large number of radiation facilities operate in Pakistan with varying size, scope, applications, type of radiation apparatus and equipment, as well as diversity of operation. PNRA is responsible to ensure that appropriate regulatory control is in place for the safe operation of these facilities. The radiation facilities being regulated by PNRA include:
Detail of PNRA's licensed facilities can be seen at the following links:
PNRA has put in place a well-established system and mechanism for ensuring safe use of radiation sources. The regulatory framework necessitates that all radiation facilities and activities in Pakistan are licensed or authorized by PNRA. The licenses/authorizations are issued after conducting detailed review and assessment of applicant’s submissions. These submissions include radiation protection program; radiation emergency plan; physical protection plan; qualification, experience and training credentials of workers; and personal exposure records in line with the graded approach. Inspections are also performed to verify the arrangements, capabilities and compliance with the regulations before issuing the license.
The licence once issued has to be renewed from PNRA periodically. Periodic inspections of radiation facilities are performed to verify the implementation of regulatory requirements regarding structural shielding, facility design/layout, inventory of radiation sources, worker credentials, QA system, etc. Enforcement actions are taken against non-compliance, wherever necessary.
Beside ensuring radiation protection, PNRA regulations require that import and export of radiation sources can only be carried out, if explicitly authorized by PNRA. PNRA authorizes the import/export of radiation sources through issuance of “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) to the importer/exporter which is verified by the relevant law enforcement agencies at international entry/exit points. As per regulatory requirements, only licensed entities are authorized to import or export radiation sources. Furthermore, as a prerequisite for issuance of import NOC, it is ensured that a high activity radioactive source can only be acquired/ imported upon provision of undertaking by the supplier/ manufacturer to accept its return at the end of its useful life as part of the purchase contract.