AN international nuclear order, often characterized by treaties and geopolitical preferences, is commonly assessed in terms of membership in nuclear regimes. Pakistan’s civil nuclear experience provides a different rationale for this argument. At the heart of that experience is the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), an organization that demonstrates that through effective regulation, institutional independence and adherence to international safety standards—even without treaties—it is possible to achieve strong nuclear governance.

PNRA was founded as a separate civilian regulatory authority, with the Ordinance of PNRA enacted in 2001, to regulate and control all peaceful nuclear activities in Pakistan. It has a mandate covering nuclear safety and radiation protection, physical security, transportation of radioactive material, waste disposal and emergency preparedness. PNRA has developed a mature regulatory model regarding governance: it possesses a centralized authority, which is technical and not dependent on the will of the operator. This institutional autonomy is an important prerequisite for maintaining sound regulatory frameworks.

Pakistan has a nuclear program under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), which is responsible for the production of electricity, research reactors and applications of nuclear........

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