The 50th International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC) on Physics and Contemporary Needs was inaugurated today at the National Centre for Physics (NCP), marking a milestone in Pakistan’s scientific journey. Organized by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), INSC has served as a premier forum for scientific collaboration since its inception in 1976.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his keynote address, he congratulated PAEC for its longstanding commitment to scientific advancement, calling the College “a jewel in Pakistan’s scientific crown.”
Highlighting the role of science and technology in shaping the future, the Minister urged participants to gear up for emerging global challenges such as Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing. Quoting from the Quran and referencing the Islamic Golden Age, he emphasized that “science without ethics is dangerous” and underscored the need for responsible innovation.
He also elaborated on the government’s initiatives to bridge the gap between academia and industry, citing the establishment of National Centers in critical fields like AI, Cybersecurity, and Quantum Computing, to drive Pakistan toward a knowledge-based economy.
Earlier, Chairman PAEC Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar delivered the opening remarks, reflecting on the Commission’s scientific contributions over the decades. He credited INSC as a nurturing ground for young talent from both Pakistan and the developing world. He also linked key PAEC milestones—including Associate Membership with CERN and advances in laser and AI technologies—to the knowledge exchange facilitated by INSC.
Dr. Anwar called for greater awareness of global scientific trends and reiterated the pivotal role of Pakistan’s youth in building the country’s future.
The International Nathiagali Summer College was founded by Nobel Laureate Dr. Abdus Salam, a passionate advocate of scientific exchange among developing nations. Over the years, more than 1,100 leading scientists—including nine Nobel Prize winners—have delivered lectures at the INSC. The platform has welcomed over 1,000 foreign scientists from 75 countries and more than 11,000 Pakistani researchers.
The concluding session of the 50th INSC will take place in Nathiagali on June 28, 2025.
