Pakistan Wins Gold at International Science Olympiad – A Historic First
ISLAMABAD – In a historic academic triumph, Pakistan wins gold at International Science Olympiad, marking the country’s most prestigious achievement in global science competitions to date. Abdul Raffay Paracha, a student at Siddique Public School, made the nation proud by clinching the first-ever gold medal at the 35th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) held in the Philippines from July 20 to 27, 2025.
The STEM Careers Programme, a joint initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), sponsored and mentored the Pakistani team. Dr. Asma Imran and Dr. Asma Rehman from the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) led the team at IBO.
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Outstanding Performances in Physics and Biology
While Pakistan wins gold at International Science Olympiad, other students also delivered standout performances. At the 55th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) in France, Daniyal Shahzad Hamid from The Science School, Rawat, Islamabad, won a bronze medal for Pakistan. Muhammad Bilal from Sundar STEM School, Lahore, earned an Honourable Mention, and Eiman Fatima from Fazaia Inter College, Rawalpindi, received the Thales Solidarity Award, which includes a €5,000 grant and a one-year mentorship.
In the biology segment, Ayyan Aslam from Government College University, Lahore, also received an Honourable Mention. Sadia Zulfiqar and Arooj Fatima were notable participants who proudly represented Pakistan.
STEM Careers Programme – The Force Behind the Success
The remarkable success where Pakistan wins gold at International Science Olympiad is the result of long-term planning through the National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) initiated by PIEAS under PAEC. Starting with the National Physics Talent Contest in 1995, the program now spans all core sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
Since 2001, over 380 Pakistani students have participated in International Science Olympiads, securing more than 140 medals. More than 240 STEM training camps have been conducted across the country, training over 4,500 students.
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A New Chapter for Science in Pakistan
These international achievements signal a promising future for science education in Pakistan. As Pakistan wins gold at International Science Olympiad, it sets a shining example for young learners across the country. Encouragement from educational institutions and support from government programs are critical for keeping this momentum alive.
FAQs
Q1: What was the historic achievement for Pakistan at the Olympiad?
Pakistan secured its first-ever gold medal at the International Biology Olympiad 2025, along with a bronze, Honourable Mentions, and the Thales Solidarity Award at the International Physics Olympiad.
Q2: Who won Pakistan’s first gold medal in the Science Olympiads?
Abdul Raffay Paracha from Siddique Public School earned the gold medal at the 35th IBO 2025 in the Philippines.
Q3: What is the Thales Solidarity Award?
Awarded to Eiman Fatima, this prestigious award includes a €5,000 scholarship and one-year mentorship to promote diversity in STEM fields.
Q4: How are students trained for these competitions?
The STEM Careers Programme by HEC and PIEAS selects students through NSTC, trains them in camps, and prepares them for global Olympiads.
Q5: Why is this milestone important for Pakistan?
This achievement not only boosts Pakistan’s academic reputation globally but also motivates future generations to excel in science and technology.
