Address at the inauguration ceremony of Karachi Nuclear Power Plant on November 28, 1972
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, members of KANUPP staff, ladies and gentlemen:
It is a matter of immense pleasure for me to be present here today on this auspicious occasion. I am happy to see a large number of distinguished representatives from fraternal and friendly countries from all over the world who have come to join us on this happy occasion. I am glad to see that eminent public figures, educationists and others representing different walks of life in the country have converged from different parts of Pakistan to attend this ceremony.
The inauguration of KANUPP is a historic occasion for Pakistan. It symbolizes our people’s determination to keep pace with modern technology. The discovery of atomic energy 30 years ago has profoundly affected our lives as it has changed the world politically, economically and scientifically. We want to be part of the nuclear age and in harmony with the march of time. We believe that in order to accelerate the economic and social development of Pakistan, to overcome the poverty of our people and our backwardness we must use the latest technology and techniques available to the modern epoch. Nuclear energy fits into this pattern. I will remember the struggle we had to go through to get KANUPP sanctioned and to launch other atomic energy activities in the country. The powerful vested interests opposed it. If they had their way, we would not be inaugurating this nuclear plant today.
As you remember, Mr. Chairman, since 1965. I have been in close touch with you and we have had many occasions to discuss how atomic energy can help in the development of our country. This is why soon after assuming this office I not only placed the Atomic Energy Commission under my direct control but asked you to return to the country and serve the nation. I am glad that this Commission is on the move with a well defined programme for the future. I want this programme implemented in the speediest manner. I believe that Pakistan’s survival lies in using nuclear research, nuclear technology and nuclear power for the betterment of its people. The Government will give the fullest support to the programme of the Atomic Energy Commission and this country will make the necessary resources available to bring the promise of the atomic energy to the people of Pakistan at the earliest possible time.
I affirm, what Professor Salam has said, that our support for atomic energy is a part of our overall policy to promote science and technology in Pakistan. I affirm my continuing support for the Ministry of Science and Technology which I established earlier this year. I think this Ministry has a gigantic task. We will give its requirements the highest priority and our attention. To implement any programme of scientific and technological development the country needs to train scientific manpower. In this the schools and the colleges and universities have to play their role. I desire that vast number of people of Pakistan should acquire technological skills. I want first-class science in Pakistan because nothing less is acceptable. And I wish Pakistan to be increasingly self-reliant in all aspects of technology. For this reason I welcome the broad-based atomic energy programme which the Commission has chalked out and which my Government enthusiastically supports. Pakistan is irrevocably committed to the creation of an egalitarian society which is free from poverty, ignorance, and economic and social injustices. This society is in the making. It calls for a ceaseless action on the part of every citizen. We are to wage a relentless struggle against all evils that are retarding our progress. I want to achieve results in the shortest possible time. We are, therefore, utilizing all those means which can hasten our progress.
Pakistan believes in using atomic energy for peaceful purposes and as an instrument for development and progress. We have place our nuclear facilities under international safeguards of the I.A.E.A. We would like to see other countries in our region do the same. The most menacing problem in the subcontinent of South Asia is that of poverty and misery of its peoples. For our people atomic energy should become a symbol of hope rather than of fear. For this reason we would welcome if the entire subcontinent, by the agreement of the countries concerned, could be declared a nuclear-free zone and the introduction of nuclear weapons banned.
The credit for building this plant goes to the workers, technicians, engineers and scientists of the Atomic Energy Commission, past and present, who have worked with great dedication over the last seven years. I want to tell them that the country appreciates their good work. As a token of appreciation I am happy to announce that all employees of KANUPP will receive an honorarium equivalent to one month’s basic salary with a minimum of Rs.200/- and a maximum of Rs.1,000/-. In addition, those scientists, engineers and technicians who have made special contribution to the success of this project will get awards and other acknowledgements for their achievements.
While I extend my congratulations to the staff of KANUPP let me remind them that this is not the time to relax their efforts. A great deal has to be done to complete this project in a true sense. Remember, KANUPP is only the beginning of our determined objectives. There is a long road ahead of us to bring power and nuclear power to every home and factory in this country. Our people must be ready to work even harder to achieve this goal. I know they are ready. The whole nation is geared for the glory of this heroic struggle.
I would like to join you, Mr. Chairman in expressing our gratitude for the generous aid which we have received from the Canadian Government to complete this project. The Canadian General Electric Company (CGE) which supplied this reactor deserves our sincere thanks for its cooperation and the hard work done by the Canadian scientists and engineers in completing this plant. They have been working ambassadors of goodwill from a great and friendly country.
I also take the opportunity of acknowledging the generous help received from Japan in supplying turbo generator for this plant. The I.A.E.A. has also given us valuable assistance in the planning and implementation of this project and in training of manpower.
With our friends from other developing countries, we shall be most happy to share our limited experience. We shall welcome their scientists and engineers to the atomic energy establishments we have created in agriculture, medicine, nuclear research, nuclear power to work with our scientists.
Pakistan wants to forge new and everlasting ties with or friends abroad and our neighbors based on equality and justice in all fields-cultural, economic, technological and scientific. We believe that the most effective way in which the advanced countries can help the developing countries is through sharing their technology with them. KANUPP is a splendid example of such help. We would like to extend the scope of these agreements to include all of science and technology.
Ladies and gentlemen, before I close I would like to say that we have made a modest beginning in the field of nuclear power. But I feel the way our friends and distinguished guests are sitting here, it seems that we have made greater advance in solar energy. I am sorry for the inconvenience that is caused to you because of the full glow of the sun on you while these proceeding have taken place. We did not expect the day to be so warm because by December our climate becomes quite salubrious. But unfortunately it seems that the winter has set in rather late. So please do not feel discouraged and disappointed that you have come here this afternoon. If you suffer from a headache we will make up for it by this evening.
On behalf of the Government of Pakistan and on my own behalf I welcome you. We are happy to receive you in our land. We know that you have traveled long distances to be with us and we are grateful to you for the encouragement and support that you have given us by participating with us on this occasion. I thank you.