Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, has called on Pakistan’s young scientists to become creators of technology instead of relying on innovations developed elsewhere, emphasizing that sustained investment in scientific research, innovation and human resource development is essential for strengthening the country’s long term technological competitiveness. He made these remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the 51st International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC) on Physics and Contemporary Needs, which concluded after two weeks of scientific discussions on emerging technologies and research. Organized by PAEC from July 6 to July 18, the annual event brought together leading scientists, researchers and young scholars from Pakistan and across the world to exchange knowledge, discuss scientific advancements and explore technologies that are expected to shape the future.
Speaking to participants, Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar said the global landscape is undergoing a significant technological transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and clean energy technologies. He noted that countries are increasingly competing through innovation, talent, technology and research rather than depending solely on natural resources. According to the Chairman, Pakistan possesses the talent, institutions and determination required to become a knowledge producing nation capable of developing indigenous technologies while contributing practical solutions to global scientific challenges. He highlighted that International Nathiagali Summer College has played an important role for more than five decades by connecting young researchers with internationally recognized scientists, encouraging collaboration, promoting critical thinking and helping nurture scientific culture in Pakistan. He added that many former participants are now serving in leading universities, research institutions, industries and strategic organizations, reflecting the program’s long standing contribution to national scientific development.
The Chairman said this year’s academic program focused on several technologies directly linked to Pakistan’s future development, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Advanced Manufacturing Techniques, Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture and Biotechnology, Nuclear Techniques in Health and Environment, and Advances in Plasma Science and Fusion Technology. He explained that these fields have the potential to improve industrial competitiveness, strengthen food security, enhance healthcare services, support environmental protection and contribute to future energy solutions. He further stated that the themes of the Summer College complement Government of Pakistan’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, which promotes sustainable economic growth through innovation, digital transformation, industrial modernization and investment in human capital. According to him, initiatives such as INSC contribute directly to these national objectives by preparing highly skilled scientists and strengthening Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem. Highlighting the international impact of the program, he said the Summer College also opened opportunities for future collaboration with Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Anyang, China, particularly in agriculture and biotechnology. Technical meetings with international faculty also explored possibilities for joint research, technology development and long term institutional cooperation, strengthening Pakistan’s scientific partnerships with the global research community.
This year’s Summer College hosted 45 distinguished scientists from 20 countries, while approximately 300 selected participants attended in person and hundreds more joined through live streaming supported by Higher Education Commission (HEC). Reaffirming PAEC’s commitment to the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology, Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar said the Commission continues to contribute to Pakistan’s socio economic development through clean nuclear power generation, its nationwide network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals, development of improved crop varieties for food security and advanced research in Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials and semiconductor sciences. Addressing young researchers, he encouraged them to view the Summer College as the beginning of a lifelong journey of scientific discovery and innovation, adding that Pakistan’s future will be shaped by individuals capable of creating new knowledge, developing indigenous technologies and transforming ideas into practical solutions. During the ceremony, Member Science PAEC Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi highlighted that the event expanded its academic focus by introducing additional courses on health, environment and emerging technologies while strengthening scientific collaboration with experts from China and Malaysia in agriculture, environment, isotopic hydrology and fuel cell technology. He also acknowledged Dr. Gerd Helmer from Medical University Vienna for providing complimentary access to Pakistani research institutes to his Artificial Intelligence laboratory on radiotherapy. Scientific Secretary INSC Dr. Rahat Ullah presented an overview of the College’s achievements, while a poster competition recognized outstanding research contributions from participants. Ms. Salka Javed of Islamic International University Islamabad secured first place for her research on water quality, followed by Ms. Rubab Mansoor of Quaid i Azam University Islamabad for her work on the environmental effects of microplastics, while Ms. Amina Zakaullah of COMSATS University Lahore received the third prize. Chairman PAEC concluded the ceremony by presenting awards to the winners and commemorative shields to national and international faculty members for their contributions to the successful event.
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