Abdul Raffay Paracha Makes History at Prestigious Global Science Competition
In a landmark achievement for the country, Pakistan has won its first-ever gold medal at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO). The historic win came courtesy of Abdul Raffay Paracha, who earned the gold at the 35th IBO, held in the Philippines from July 20 to 27.
Paracha’s remarkable performance marks a milestone for Pakistan in international science competitions. The Pakistani contingent participated under the STEM Careers Programme, a collaboration between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS). The team was led by Dr. Asma Imran and Dr. Asma Rehman from the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), a PIEAS-affiliated research centre under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
Other team members also shone at the event. Ayyan Aslam from Government College University, Lahore, received an Honourable Mention, while Sadia Zulfiqar from Rawalpindi and Arooj Fatima from Shakargarh proudly represented Pakistan on the global stage.
Bronze in Physics Olympiad, STEM Programme Continues to Excel
In another significant development, Daniyal Shahzad Hamid from Rawat, Islamabad, secured a Bronze Medal at the 55th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), held in France from July 17 to 25. Muhammad Bilal from Lahore earned an Honourable Mention, and Eiman Fatima from Fazaia Inter College, Rawalpindi, received the Thales Solidarity IPhO Award, which includes a €5,000 education grant and a one-year mentorship to promote inclusion in STEM.
These achievements are the result of years of effort by PIEAS and the National Science Talent Contest (NSTC), which trains top science students in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Since its inception, over 380 students have represented Pakistan in International Science Olympiads, winning more than 140 medals, while 4,500+ students have undergone specialized scientific training.
The STEM Careers Programme screens and trains students from 19 cities nationwide, through institutions like PIEAS (Physics), NIBGE (Biology), HEJ Research Institute, Karachi (Chemistry), and COMSATS Lahore (Mathematics). Each year, top-performing students go on to represent Pakistan at international events, further strengthening the country’s global scientific presence.
