Pakistan has achieved another remarkable milestone in the field of science education by securing three bronze medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) held in Bucaramanga, Colombia. The outstanding performance reflects the growing talent and dedication of Pakistani students in international scientific competitions.
The bronze medal winners are Zulfiqar Ali from Government City Boys School, Dera Ghazi Khan, Ali Hamdan Alvi from FG Sir Syed College, Rawalpindi, and Daniyal Shahzad Hamid from The Science School, Rawat, Islamabad. Their achievements brought pride to Pakistan on one of the world’s most prestigious platforms for young physicists.
In addition to the medal winners, Hazza Mahmood of Aitchison College, Lahore, and Abdullah Ejaz of Siddeeq Public School, Rawalpindi, received honourable mentions for their impressive performances during the competition.
The 56th International Physics Olympiad featured more than 400 students from over 90 countries, allowing talented young scientists to showcase their knowledge, analytical thinking, and experimental skills. The event is recognised globally as one of the highest-level competitions for high school physics students.
Pakistan’s participants were selected through the 22nd National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) under the STEM Careers Programme, a collaborative initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS). After a highly competitive nationwide selection process, the students completed intensive residential training camps at the PIEAS campus, where they received advanced theoretical and practical coaching from experienced national and international experts.
The national team was led by Prof Dr Muhammad Irfan and Dr Muhammad Waseem of PIEAS. Since joining the International Physics Olympiad in 2001, Pakistan has consistently improved its performance in global science contests. Through the STEM Careers Programme, more than 365 Pakistani students have represented the country internationally, earning 144 medals, while over 5,000 students have benefited from specialised training camps, strengthening Pakistan’s future in science and technology.
