The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has honoured Pakistani students for their outstanding achievements at the 2026 International Science Olympiads (ISOs) at a special ceremony organised under the STEM Careers Programme.
Chairman HEC Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar attended the ceremony as chief guest, recognising the dedication and achievements of 23 Pakistani students who represented the country in international competitions in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence.
The students collectively secured one Silver Medal, six Bronze Medals, five Honourable Mentions, one Certificate of Merit and one Certificate of Recognition, bringing international recognition to Pakistan’s young scientific talent.
Hassan Atif Cheema was among the distinguished achievers, winning a Silver Medal at the International Biology Olympiad. Another milestone was Pakistan’s first official participation in the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), expanding the country’s presence in global scientific competitions.
During the ceremony, Akhtar distributed cash prizes and certificates among the students and appreciated their hard work, perseverance and commitment to scientific excellence. He also acknowledged the contributions of parents, teachers and mentors who supported the students throughout their preparation.
The event was attended by PIEAS Rector Dr Anila Usman, Pro-Rector Dr Jamil Ahmad, senior HEC officials, faculty members and students.
HEC also recognised the role of institutions involved in preparing and mentoring the national teams, including PIEAS, COMSATS University Lahore, the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE-C) and the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.
The HEC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s and government’s commitment to nurturing young scientific talent and providing opportunities for aspiring scientists, researchers and innovators to compete at international levels.
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The STEM Careers Programme, implemented in collaboration with PIEAS, works to identify talented students and prepare them for international science competitions through specialised training and mentorship. The recognition ceremony celebrated not only the students’ international accomplishments but also the collective efforts of the educators, institutions and families behind their success.
