ISLAMABAD, July 18: Chairman of the 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 abroad, saying the country’s long-term economic growth depends on sustained investment in science, research and skilled human resources.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the 51st International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC) on Physics and Contemporary Needs, Dr. Anwar said the global economy is being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and clean energy, making innovation and technological capability the defining factors of national competitiveness.
“The nations that will lead tomorrow are those investing in ideas, innovation, talent and technology rather than natural resources,” he said, urging young researchers to develop indigenous technologies capable of addressing both national priorities and global challenges.
The two-week Summer College, organised by PAEC from July 6 to 18, brought together 45 scientists from 20 countries alongside around 300 in-person participants, while hundreds more joined virtually through live streaming facilitated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
Focus on emerging technologies
Dr. Anwar said this year’s programme concentrated on emerging technologies with direct relevance to Pakistan’s future development, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced manufacturing, nuclear applications in agriculture and biotechnology, nuclear techniques for health and environmental protection, and advances in plasma science and fusion technology.
He said these fields have the potential to strengthen Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness, improve food security, enhance healthcare services, protect the environment and contribute to future energy solutions.
The PAEC chairman noted that the Summer College aligns closely with the government’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, which aims to accelerate sustainable economic growth through digital transformation, industrial modernisation, innovation and investment in human capital.
He said academic platforms such as the INSC help build Pakistan’s scientific workforce while strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem.
International collaboration expands
Highlighting the international dimension of the event, Dr. Anwar said the Summer College also opened new opportunities for scientific cooperation, particularly with the Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Anyang, China.
He added that technical discussions with international experts explored prospects for joint research, technology development and long-term institutional partnerships, further strengthening Pakistan’s scientific diplomacy.
The PAEC chief said the Summer College has spent more than five decades connecting young Pakistani researchers with leading international scientists, producing graduates who now serve in universities, research centres, industries and strategic organisations.
PAEC highlights peaceful applications
Reaffirming PAEC’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, Dr. Anwar said the commission continues to support Pakistan’s socio-economic development through clean nuclear power generation, agricultural research, advanced scientific innovation and its nationwide network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals.
He encouraged participants to treat the knowledge gained during the Summer College as the beginning of a lifelong scientific journey.
“Pakistan’s future will be shaped by those who can generate new knowledge, develop indigenous technologies and transform innovative ideas into practical solutions,” he said.
Scientific community recognised
Speaking at the ceremony, PAEC Member Science Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi said the College expanded its academic scope this year by introducing new courses related to health and environmental sciences alongside artificial intelligence and nuclear applications in agriculture.
He said the event successfully transformed scientific meetings into lasting research partnerships, thanking experts from China and Malaysia for advancing cooperation in agriculture, environmental sciences, isotopic hydrology and fuel cell technology.
Dr. Rofi also acknowledged Dr. Gerd Helmer of the Medical University of Vienna for providing complimentary access to his AI radiotherapy laboratory for Pakistani research institutions.
Earlier, Scientific Secretary Dr. Rahat Ullah highlighted the key achievements of the two-week programme.
A poster competition held during the event was won by Ms. Salka Javed of the International Islamic University Islamabad for her research on water quality. Ms. Rubab Mansoor of Quaid-i-Azam University secured second place for research on the environmental impact of microplastics in Pakistan’s northern regions, while Ms. Amina Zakaullah of COMSATS University Lahore finished third.
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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