Pakistan Wins 3 Bronze Medals at 56th IPhO

In a remarkable achievement, Pakistan secured three bronze medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The prestigious event took place in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from July 04-12.

The Pakistani team earned bronze honors through Zulfiqar Ali (Government City Boys School, Dera Ghazi Khan), Ali Hamdan Alvi (FG Sir Syed College, Rawalpindi), and Daniyal Shahzad Hamid (The Science School, Rawat, Islamabad). Additionally, Hazza Mahmood (Aitchison College, Lahore) and Abdullah Ejaz (Siddeeq Public School, Rawalpindi) received Honorable Mentions for their outstanding performances.

Global Science Competition Highlights

The 56th IPhO gathered over 400 elite students from 90+ countries. These young physicists showcased their expertise in problem-solving and scientific knowledge. Pakistan’s team was chosen through the 22nd National Science Talent Contest (NSTC), part of the STEM Careers Programme. This initiative is a collaboration between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS).

Following a rigorous nationwide screening, selected students attended intensive residential training at PIEAS. They received advanced instruction from both local and international experts. This preparation proved critical for their success at the global stage.

The team was led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irfan and Dr. Muhammad Waseem of PIEAS. Their leadership played a key role in Pakistan’s medal-winning performance.

National Science Talent Contest Framework

Working under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), PIEAS organizes annual NSTC events in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. These contests target secondary and higher secondary students, including Classes 9-10, O-Level, F.Sc. Part-I, and A-Level Part-I participants.

The NSTC operates in 19 cities nationwide. Top performers join residential training camps for advanced scientific instruction. This pathway ultimately selects national teams for International Science Olympiads (ISOs).

The STEM Careers Programme Office at HEC manages these training initiatives. Home institutions include PIEAS (Physics), NIBGE-C (Biology), HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi (Chemistry), and COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus (Mathematics).

Legacy of Scientific Excellence

Pakistan has competed in the International Physics Olympiad since 2001. It joined the Mathematical, Biological, and Chemistry Olympiads in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

Since the STEM Careers Programme’s inception, over 365 Pakistani students have represented the country at ISOs. They have won 144 medals in total. Additionally, more than 5,000 students benefited from 256+ advanced training camps.

Through institutions like PIEAS, the PAEC continues fostering scientific talent. This commitment supports Pakistan’s socio-economic development via excellence in science and technology.