Pakistan has once again shown its growing strength in science by winning three bronze medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The event took place in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from July 4 to 12, 2026. More than 400 talented students from over 90 countries took part in this tough competition.
The winners from Pakistan are Zulfiqar Ali from Government City Boys School in Dera Ghazi Khan, Ali Hamdan Alvi from FG Sir Syed College in Rawalpindi, and Daniyal Shahzad Hamid from The Science School in Rawat, Islamabad. Hazza Mahmood from Aitchison College, Lahore, and Abdullah Ejaz from Siddeeq Public School, Rawalpindi, received Honorable Mentions.
These students were chosen through the 22nd National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) under the STEM Careers Program. This program is a joint effort by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS). After selection, they joined intensive training camps at PIEAS, where experts taught them advanced physics topics and problem-solving skills. The team was led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irfan and Dr. Muhammad Waseem from PIEAS.
Pakistan has taken part in the IPhO since 2001. Since the STEM program started, more than 365 Pakistani students have competed in international science olympiads and won a total of 144 medals. Over 5,000 students have also received training through more than 256 camps. PIEAS, working with the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), plays a key role in finding and preparing young talent.