ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, has urged Pakistan’s young scientists to become creators of technology rather than consumers of innovations developed abroad, stressing that investment in science, research and human capital is vital for the country’s long-term economic and technological progress.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 51st International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC) on Physics and Contemporary Needs on Saturday, Dr. Anwar said the global race for development is increasingly being driven by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, where nations compete through innovation, talent and knowledge instead of natural resources.
He said Pakistan has the talent, institutions and determination to emerge as a knowledge-producing nation capable of developing indigenous technologies and contributing solutions to global scientific challenges.
The two-week Summer College, organised by PAEC from July 6 to 18, brought together leading scientists, researchers and young scholars from Pakistan and abroad to discuss emerging technologies and strengthen scientific collaboration.
Dr. Anwar said the International Nathiagali Summer College has played a key role in promoting scientific culture in Pakistan for more than five decades by connecting young researchers with internationally renowned scientists. He noted that many former participants now serve in leading universities, research institutions, industries and strategic organisations.
According to the PAEC chairman, this year’s programme focused on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, advanced manufacturing, nuclear applications in agriculture and biotechnology, health and environmental sciences, as well as plasma science and fusion technology. He said these fields have the potential to improve industrial competitiveness, food security, healthcare, environmental protection and future energy solutions.
He added that the themes of the Summer College align with the government’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, which aims to promote sustainable economic growth through innovation, digital transformation, industrial modernisation and investment in human capital.
Highlighting the international participation, Dr. Anwar said the event opened new opportunities for collaboration with the Institute of Cotton Research under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in agriculture and biotechnology. Technical meetings with international experts also explored prospects for joint research, technology development and long-term institutional partnerships.
The event attracted 45 scientists from 20 countries, while around 300 participants attended in person and hundreds more joined online through live streaming facilitated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
Reaffirming PAEC’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology, Dr. Anwar said the commission continues to contribute to Pakistan’s development through clean nuclear energy, its network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals, improved crop varieties and research in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials and semiconductor sciences.
He encouraged young researchers to treat the knowledge gained during the Summer College as the beginning of a lifelong journey of innovation and scientific discovery, saying Pakistan’s future will depend on those who can transform ideas into practical technologies.
PAEC Member Science Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi said the programme introduced new courses on health and environmental sciences alongside artificial intelligence and nuclear techniques in agriculture to address Pakistan’s emerging development needs. He said discussions during the event helped transform scientific meetings into lasting research communities and partnerships.
Dr. Rofi also acknowledged the contributions of experts from China, Malaysia and Austria for expanding cooperation in agriculture, environmental sciences, isotopic hydrology, fuel cell technology and AI-assisted radiotherapy research.
Scientific Secretary Dr. Rahat Ullah presented an overview of the College’s key themes and achievements during the two-week programme.
A poster competition was also held during the event. Ms. Salka Javed of the International Islamic University Islamabad won first prize for her research on water quality, while Ms. Rubab Mansoor of Quaid-i-Azam University secured second place for her study on the environmental effects of microplastics in northern Pakistan. Ms. Amina Zakaullah of COMSATS University Lahore claimed third prize.
The ceremony concluded with Dr. Anwar distributing awards to the winners and presenting commemorative shields to national and international faculty members.
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