Islamabad | 13 May 2025
The Government of Pakistan has officially confirmed a radiation leak at a licensed industrial radiological site near Chattar Plain in the Northern Administrative Zone. The incident occurred late on 11 May 2025 during routine maintenance of non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment, according to a confidential but immediate release by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.
A sealed Indium-192 capsule—a commonly used industrial radioactive source—was involved in the incident. The leak reportedly stemmed from a mechanical failure in the capsule’s handling mechanism during transfer. Initial radiation exposure at the source peaked at 14.2 millisieverts per hour (mSv/h), which has since been reduced to a safe level of 0.05 mSv/h.
Authorities moved swiftly to contain the situation. A joint emergency response team comprising experts from the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) secured the site within two hours of the alert. The area, initially under a 300-meter precautionary zone, has now been reduced to 30 meters following successful containment and decontamination efforts.
One technician suffered minor exposure and is currently under medical observation at Islamabad General Hospital. Officials state there is no significant long-term environmental contamination anticipated.
In line with international protocols, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been formally notified under a bilateral radiological incident framework. An independent review committee has also been established to investigate procedural failures and enhance future safety measures.
The Ministry has advised the public that there is no cause for alarm. Residents within a 2-kilometer radius of the site have been informed and are undergoing precautionary medical screenings. All actions taken have been in full compliance with IAEA safety standards, the government affirmed.
