Short answer. Pakistan's nuclear regulator, PNRA, gives WHO iodine doses: 130 mg potassium iodide (KI) for adults and adolescents over 12, 65 mg for children 3 to 12, 32 mg for infants and 16 mg for newborns 1. District authorities stock and distribute tablets to people near nuclear installations, and PNRA recommends handing them out in advance in the planning zones 1. Take it only on official instruction.
Who gives out iodine tablets in Pakistan?
PNRA's regulatory guide on iodine thyroid blocking (May 2025) states that, under the National Radiation Emergency Plan, "the district authorities are responsible for maintenance of necessary stockpile and distribution of stable iodine to the affected population residing in the vicinity of nuclear installations" 1. Plant operators cover their own staff 1. The tablets kept in stock must be registered with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) 1.
PNRA recommends pre-distribution: operators, with off-site response organisations, "should ensure that stable iodine tablets are pre-distributed within the PAZ and UPZ along with instructions for use" 1. Phaenyx found no official confirmation that households near the plants have already received tablets.
Which areas are concerned?
The planning zones are the Precautionary Action Zone (PAZ) and the Urgent protective action Planning Zone (UPZ), set out in PNRA's emergency regulations 2. PNRA's guide places the risk of severe effects "within about the first 10 to 30 km" 1. Pakistan's operating nuclear power plants are K-2 and K-3 in Karachi and C-1 to C-4 at Chashma; K-1 is being decommissioned and C-5 is under construction 3. See our guide to nuclear plant emergency zones.
What dose does PNRA recommend?
| Age group | Potassium iodide (KI) | Part of a 130 mg tablet |
|---|---|---|
| Newborns (birth to 1 month) | 16 mg | 1/8 |
| Infants (1 month to 3 years) | 32 mg | 1/4 |
| Children (3 to 12 years) | 65 mg | 1/2 |
| Adults and adolescents (over 12) | 130 mg | 1 |
Source: PNRA, WHO doses 1. The table also gives potassium iodate equivalents: 21, 42, 85 and 170 mg 1. Children under 3 and anyone who cannot swallow tablets take a solution prepared from a 130 mg tablet, as described in the guide's appendix 1.
When should it be taken?
Only on official instruction. The regulations list iodine thyroid blocking as an urgent action when the projected thyroid dose exceeds 50 mSv in the first seven days 2. PNRA recommends distributing tablets preferably within 6 hours, and not more than 24 hours, before exposure, or up to 2 hours (not later than 24 hours) after it 1. One dose protects for about 24 hours 1.
Who should not take repeated doses?
PNRA says "Individuals over 40 years of age are less likely to benefit from ITB", and that newborns, pregnant and nursing women and people over 60 should not receive repeated doses 1. People with rare conditions such as iodine hypersensitivity or dermatitis herpetiformis must not take it 1. Ask a doctor if you have a thyroid condition.
Can I buy potassium iodide in Pakistan?
Potassium iodide 65 mg and 130 mg tablets appear with registration numbers in DRAP's pharmaceutical price index 4. Phaenyx found no official statement on whether they require a prescription, so ask a pharmacist. More in our potassium iodide guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the adult dose of potassium iodide in Pakistan?
130 mg of KI, one tablet, for adults and adolescents over 12 1.
Who distributes iodine tablets?
District authorities, under the National Radiation Emergency Plan; operators cover their staff 1.
Should I take iodine as a precaution?
No. Take it only when the authorities say so: it protects only the thyroid, and only against radioactive iodine 1.
Preparedness index: Pakistan ranks joint 55th of 67, 41.5/100 · full ranking
Sources · 4
- Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) · Iodine Thyroid Blocking (ITB) during a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency, PNRA-RG-914.01 (Rev. 01), May 2025 checked 2026-11-13
- Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) · Regulations on Management of a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency (PAK/914) (Rev. 1), S.R.O. 1600(I)/2022 checked 2026-11-13
- Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) · PNRA Annual Report 2025 checked 2026-11-13
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) · Pharmaceutical Product Price Index (entries for potassium iodide 65 mg and 130 mg tablets) checked 2026-11-13