Pakistan has achieved another proud milestone on the global scientific stage after winning three Bronze Medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026, held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from July 4 to 12, 2026.
Competing against some of the world’s brightest young minds, the Pakistani team delivered an impressive performance among more than 400 students from over 90 countries.
The following students brought glory to Pakistan by securing Bronze Medals:
- Zulfiqar Ali — Government City Boys School, Dera Ghazi Khan
- Ali Hamdan Alvi — FG Sir Syed College, Rawalpindi
- Daniyal Shahzad Hamid — The Science School, Rawat, Islamabad
In addition, two talented students earned Honorable Mentions for their commendable performance:
- Hazza Mahmood — Aitchison College, Lahore
- Abdullah Ejaz — Siddeeq Public School, Rawalpindi
The team was selected through the 22nd National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) conducted under the STEM Careers Program, a joint initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS).
After a highly competitive nationwide selection process, the students underwent a series of intensive residential training camps at the PIEAS campus. They received advanced theoretical and experimental instruction from leading national and international experts, preparing them to compete at the highest global level.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irfan and Dr. Muhammad Waseem of PIEAS.
Pakistan has been participating in the International Physics Olympiad since 2001, the International Mathematical Olympiad since 2005, and the International Biology and Chemistry Olympiads since 2006.
Since the launch of the STEM Careers Program, more than 365 Pakistani students have represented the country at International Science Olympiads, winning a total of 144 medals. Over 5,000 students have benefited from more than 256 advanced training camps conducted under the program.
Officials from HEC, PIEAS, and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) congratulated the medalists and praised their outstanding achievement. They expressed confidence that Pakistan’s continued investment in science education and talent development will produce even greater success in future international competitions.
The three bronze medals at IPhO 2026 add another glorious chapter to Pakistan’s journey in global science competitions and serve as an inspiration for thousands of aspiring young scientists across the country.
