The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has decided to develop new technologies in the area of advanced materials to be utilized in the field of energy, defence, agriculture and health.

Sources said that the PAEC had asked the government to allow it to undertake a new project — development of composite materials and super-alloys — the objective of which was to make a contribution to defence-related activities and development of indigenous nuclear power capability.

The PAEC has informed the higher authorities that a new project, to be located at the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), was needed for the development of new technologies to produce and manipulate materials.

It was argued that in the given international political scenario it was not possible to achieve the objectives of technology development by technology transfer or technology sharing.