ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has secured a Silver Award at the Asian Science Camp (ASC) 2026, held at the University of Hong Kong from August 2 to 8, marking another achievement for the country’s young scientific talent on an international platform.
Pakistani participant Prewash Hakim won the Silver Award for her research project, which was among 12 projects shortlisted for the final round from a total of 54 projects presented at the camp.
The Asian Science Camp is an annual international scientific event that brings together young science students from around the world. This year, teams from 48 countries participated, with more than 350 young students attending the event. The camp provides students with opportunities to interact directly with leading scientists and Nobel laureates, present research-based ideas, participate in poster competitions, and develop international networks and collaborations.
The final projects were evaluated by a distinguished 13-member panel comprising Nobel laureates, university faculty members and industry experts. The projects were assessed on the basis of the quality of the idea, presentation, time management, visual presentation and potential impact.
The Pakistani delegation comprised five students selected from across the country through a merit-based process conducted by the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), an autonomous organization working under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The selection process provides equal opportunities to male and female candidates.
The 2026 Pakistani team included Danish Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Abdullah Imtiaz from Islamabad, Baseer Khan from Balochistan, Mahnoor Amjad from Punjab, and Prewash Hakim from Sindh. The delegation was led by Syeda Rehana Batool, Director Science Popularization at the Pakistan Science Foundation.
The selection of the national team followed a multi-stage process. Approximately six months before the camp, the PSF invited applications from eligible candidates. Shortlisted applicants were then invited to appear in written tests conducted in six major cities across Pakistan. Final candidates were subsequently interviewed by the selection committee at the PSF headquarters in Islamabad. The final team was selected on the basis of candidates’ combined test and interview scores.
The Pakistan Science Foundation also provided financial support for the selection process and participation of the national delegation, enabling the students to represent Pakistan at the international event.
The successful participation of the Pakistani team highlights the potential of the country’s young scientists and the importance of providing them with opportunities to engage with the global scientific community.
The Pakistani delegation and team leader expressed appreciation for the support extended by the Pakistan Science Foundation, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi, and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
The Silver Award won by Prewash Hakim is being seen as a significant achievement for Pakistan’s emerging scientific talent and reflects the value of merit-based opportunities for young researchers to compete and collaborate at international platforms.