Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, urged the country’s young scientists to focus on creating technology rather than simply consuming innovations developed elsewhere, stressing that sustained investment in science, research and human resource development is essential for the country’s long term competitiveness. He made these remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the 51st International Nathiagali Summer College on Physics and Contemporary Needs, a two week program organized by PAEC that concluded after bringing together scientists, researchers and young scholars from Pakistan and around the world.
Speaking to participants, the Chairman said the world is undergoing a major technological shift driven by artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and clean energy, where countries increasingly compete on ideas, innovation and technical talent rather than natural resources alone. He said Pakistan has the talent, institutions and determination needed to become a knowledge producing nation capable of developing its own technologies and contributing to global scientific challenges. He noted that the Summer College has spent more than five decades connecting young researchers with internationally recognized scientists, and pointed out that many former participants now hold positions in leading research institutions, universities and strategic organizations across the country.
This year’s program focused on areas directly relevant to Pakistan’s development priorities, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced manufacturing techniques, nuclear applications in agriculture and biotechnology, nuclear techniques in health and environmental science, and advances in plasma science and fusion technology. The Chairman said these fields tie closely into the government’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, which centers on economic growth through innovation, digital transformation and investment in human capital. The event also opened avenues for potential collaboration with international institutions, including the Institute of Cotton Research at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, alongside technical discussions with visiting faculty on joint research and long term institutional cooperation.
This year’s edition brought together 45 scientists from 20 countries, with around 300 participants attending in person and additional participants joining virtually through livestreaming facilitated by the Higher Education Commission. Member Science at PAEC, Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi, said the program introduced new courses connected to health, environment and food security in response to emerging national needs, while thanking international collaborators for helping open new areas of cooperation with Pakistan. The event also featured a poster competition judged by an international faculty panel, with the top prize awarded to a participant from the International Islamic University Islamabad for a project focused on water quality, alongside other awards recognizing research on environmental and public health topics from universities across the country.
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