E-beam irradiation plant planned in Karachi to boost food exports

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jun, 2026) The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) is planning to establish an advanced electron-beam (e-beam) irradiation plant in Karachi to help exporters meet international phytosanitary standards and expand access to high-value global markets.

“The proposed facility is aimed at helping exporters comply with the stringent phytosanitary requirements imposed by international markets, thereby enhancing the export potential of Pakistan’s agricultural and food products in quality-conscious countries around the world,” Dr Rashid Mahmood, Director and spokesperson for PAEC, told Wealth Pakistan.

More than 55 countries worldwide permit food irradiation as a phytosanitary treatment to prevent the introduction of invasive pests and eliminate harmful bacteria in high-risk food products such as meat and spices. Many key export destinations also enforce specific irradiation standards for imported goods.

Explaining the technology, Dr Rashid Mahmood said electron-beam (e-beam) irradiation uses high-energy electrons for a range of industrial applications.

“E-beam irradiation is commonly used for the sterilisation of medical devices, contamination control and the modification of materials,” he said.

He noted that the PARAS (Pakistan Radiation Services) Irradiation Plant in Lahore, which employs both gamma and electron-beam technologies, is Pakistan’s premier facility for sterilising medical devices, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products. Operating since 1988, the facility has been providing irradiation services that help extend product shelf life and ensure compliance with sanitary and quarantine standards.

According to Dr Rashid Mahmood, the PARAS Irradiation Plant has the capacity to process up to 60,000 tonnes annually.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

Commercial processing at the facility helps extend the shelf life of perishable fruits and vegetables and supports the healthcare sector through the irradiation of medical supplies.

“Exporters of spices, herbs, seasonings, premium flours and frozen meat have their products decontaminated through irradiation treatment at PARAS before shipment to quality-conscious markets in the United States, Australia, Canada and the middle East,” Dr Rashid Mahmood said.

He added that Pakistani mangoes are also exported to Australia after undergoing quarantine treatment at PARAS.

“In 2025, around 110,000 kilograms (110 tonnes) of mangoes were exported to Australia after processing at PARAS,” he said.

The PAEC spokesperson further said that PARAS has opened a new avenue for frozen chicken exports to Qatar by eliminating salmonella through irradiation treatment. “This has helped gradually increase exports of frozen chicken,” he added.

According to Dr Rashid Mahmood, manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and surgical instruments are among the major clients of PARAS Lahore, as they require irradiation services to meet the specifications of overseas customers.

The e-beam process is also used to control contamination in packaging materials, cosmetics and toiletries.

He noted that PAEC’s irradiation facilities are registered with the Federal Department of Plant Protection for the treatment of plants and plant products. “Countries that accept irradiation treatment are expected to recognise the PARAS plant,” Dr Rashid Mahmood said.

He expressed confidence that establishing irradiation facilities in Karachi would significantly boost Pakistan’s food and agricultural exports, particularly to food-deficient countries in the Middle East.