In the late fifties, when Pakistan embarked upon nuclear program, two major constraints were immediately faced: the dearth of appropriately trained manpower and the absence of even rudiments of a viable scientific and industrial infrastructure. The solution to these problems was the establishment of research, development and training centers. The first major step in this direction was the establishment of Pakistan institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), at Nilore, near Islamabad.

Designed by world-renowned architect Edward Durrell stone, PINSTECH blends eastern elegance with western functionality. Construction of the Institute proceeded in two stages: In the first stage, reactor building and ancillary facilities were completed with the reactor becoming critical on 21st December 1965. The second stage, consisting of various laboratories, workshop, library and auditorium, became operational in 1974.