Top 10 Best Scientists Of Pakistan

In the realm of science and technology, Pakistan has been the home of some brilliant minds. Despite numerous challenges, these scientists have managed to make noteworthy contributions on the global stage, propelling the nation’s reputation in various scientific disciplines.

1. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan

Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, often referred to as A.Q. Khan, is widely known as the “father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb”. Born on April 1, 1936, in Bhopal, India, he moved to Pakistan following the partition in 1947. Khan earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Karachi before pursuing his higher studies in Germany and Belgium. He obtained a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from the Catholic University of Leuven in 1972.

During the early 1970s, Khan worked at URENCO, an uranium enrichment company in the Netherlands, where he gained valuable insights into the centrifuge-based uranium enrichment technology. In the late 1970s, he returned to Pakistan and played a pivotal role in developing Pakistan’s nuclear program.

Despite his controversial career, primarily due to allegations of nuclear technology proliferation, Khan is celebrated as a national hero in Pakistan for safeguarding the country’s national security interests. He is the recipient of several awards, including the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, a high civil award conferred by the Government of Pakistan.

Awards:

• Nishan-e-Imtiaz (1999)
• Nishan-e-Imtiaz (1996)
• Hilal-e-Imtiaz (1989)

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2. Abdus Salam

Abdus Salam (1926 – 1996) was a renowned theoretical physicist who became the first Pakistani and the first Muslim to receive a Nobel Prize in the sciences. Born in British India, Salam made notable contributions to quantum field theory, quantum mechanics, and particle physics.

In 1979, he was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics alongside Sheldon Glashow and Steven Weinberg for their work on the electroweak unification, which is a significant thread in the Standard Model of Particle Physics. His contributions to the world of science weren’t limited to research alone. Salam was instrumental in promoting the growth of science in the developing world and founded the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Italy in 1964.

Salam was also a devoted member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, whose members face persecution in many Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan. His faith influenced his scientific philosophy deeply; he once said, “The Holy Quran enjoins us to reflect on the verities of Allah’s created laws of nature; however, that our generation has been privileged to glimpse a part of His design is a bounty and a grace for which I render thanks with a humble heart.” Despite his immense contributions to the world of science, Salam’s recognition in his own country was limited due to his religious beliefs.

Awards:

• Nobel Prize in Physics (Stockholm, Sweden) (1979)
• Hopkins Prize (Cambridge University) (1957–1958)
• Adams Prize (Cambridge University) (1958)
• Fellow of the Royal Society (1959)
• Smith’s Prize (Cambridge University) (1950)
• Sitara-e-Pakistan (1959)
• Pride of Performance Award in Pakistan (1958)

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3. Ansar Pervaiz

Ansar Pervaiz is a prominent figure in the field of nuclear engineering, having made significant contributions to this sector in Pakistan. He served as the Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) from 2009 to 2014. In this role, he spearheaded numerous initiatives, especially in the development, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants. Pervaiz has also represented Pakistan at various international forums, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy. He holds a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering and is known for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to safety and security in the nuclear sector.

Awards:

• Hilal-i-Imtiaz (1998)

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4. Aban Marker Kabraji

Aban Marker Kabraji is a prominent environmental conservationist and the former Regional Director of the Asia-Pacific region for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Born in 12 March 1953, Bombay India,

Aban Marker Kabraji is a renowned biologist and scientist of Parsi origin who has dedicated her career to the conservation of nature. She served as the regional director of the Asia Regional Office of IUCN until early 2021, and her work has been vital to the protection of the environment in 11 countries. Kabraji’s exceptional leadership was fundamental in establishing innovative conservation plans and achieved significant results. Her extraordinary dedication to the conservation of the endangered green turtle population off the coast of Karachi and Baluchistan speaks volumes about her commitment to the environment. Her science-based approach to environmental issues and her outstanding leadership skills are truly remarkable. Kabraji’s impressive career has inspired many to follow in her footsteps and work towards a sustainable future.

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5. Qasim Mehdi

Meet S. Qasim Mehdi, a remarkable molecular biologist who made significant contributions to population genetics. A founding member of the Human Genome Diversity Project, Mehdi played a prominent role in its initiation at Stanford University. Born in Lucknow, India, he completed his B.S. at Lucknow University before earning his MS from MIT and later a D.Phil. from Oxford University, where he was mentored by Nobel laureates Sir Hans Krebs and Rodney Porter. Mehdi went on to hold fellowships at both Oxford and the Wellcome Trust before joining Stanford University as a research associate in 1976. Over the years, he became a senior research fellow and was affiliated with the Departments of Chemistry and Radiology as well as the Stanford Cancer Biology Research Labs. Until his passing in Lahore on 28, Mehdi was working tirelessly to chart a direction for the future of biomedical research in Pakistan. His legacy lives on, and his contributions to science will not be forgotten.

Awards:

• Hilal-i-Imtiaz
• Sitara-i-Imtiaz

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6. Atta-ur-Rahman

Atta-ur-Rahman is a distinguished Pakistani scientist renowned for his work in the field of organic chemistry. Born on September 22, 1942, Rahman has made notable contributions to various facets of chemistry, with over 1,000 international publications, including 341 books, primarily in the sphere of natural product chemistry.

A recipient of the UNESCO Science Prize (1999), Rahman has been credited with pioneering the establishment of high-quality research in chemistry in Pakistan. He played a pivotal role as the founding director of the Hussain Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute of Chemistry, where research is conducted at the highest international levels.

Moreover, he served as the Federal Minister for Science and Technology (2000–2002), Federal Minister of Education (2002), and Chairman of the Higher Education Commission with the status of a Federal Minister from 2002–2008. Through these positions, he made significant contributions to the upliftment of higher education and scientific research in Pakistan.

Rahman was elected as Fellow of Royal Society (London) in July 2006, thereby becoming one of the few scientists from the Muslim world to have achieved this honor. He is also the only scientist from the Muslim world to have been awarded the UNESCO Science Prize (1999). His contributions to the field of organic chemistry have left an indelible mark on the scientific community, both in Pakistan and globally.

Awards:

• Nishan-i-Imtiaz (2002)
• Hilal-i-Imtiaz (1998)
• Sitara-i-Imtiaz (1991)
• Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (1983)
• UNESCO Prize (1999)
• Austria Order of Merit

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Faheem Hussain was a highly respected Pakistani theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to the fields of superstring and string theory. Born in British India in 1942, his family moved to West Pakistan before the Partition of India in 1947. After graduating from St. Anthony’s High School in Lahore in 1955, he pursued his passion for science and mathematics by enrolling in Forman Christian College where he earned a double BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Physics in 1960. Hussain then moved to London where he attended Chelsea College and later Imperial College, the latter being where he had the opportunity to learn from the renowned physicist Abdus Salam. An accomplished professor and research scientist, Hussain was the first Pakistani physicist to publish research in the field of superstring theory. His legacy lives on as a visionary in his field and dedication to the advancement of scientific discovery.

Awards:

• Royal Society Award (1968)
• Spirit of Abdus Salam Award (2016)

8. Tasneem Zehra Husain

Tasneem Zehra Husain is a Pakistani theoretical physicist, author, and educator, renowned for her work in the field of string theory. Born in Lahore, she pursued her undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Physics from the Lahore University of Management Sciences, after which she moved to the United States for her doctoral studies. She became the first female string theorist from Pakistan when she earned her Ph.D. from the University of Stockholm, Sweden.

Husain is also an accomplished author known for making complex scientific concepts accessible to the public. Her debut novel, “Only the Longest Threads”, takes readers on a thrilling journey through some of the most groundbreaking moments in the history of physics. As an educator, Husain is passionate about promoting science education, particularly among girls and women. She tirelessly works towards breaking the gender stereotypes related to the field of science.

Her dedication to science and education led her to be named a TED Fellow in 2014. Today, she continues to be an influential voice in the world of science, inspiring future generations to explore, learn, and innovate.

Awards:

• Vice-Chancellor’s gold medal

9. Nergis Mavalvala

Nergis Mavalvala, born on November 27, 1968, is a Pakistani-American astrophysicist known for her role in the first observation of gravitational waves. She was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, then moved to the United States for her higher studies. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Physics and Astronomy from Wellesley College in 1990 and a Ph.D. from MIT in 1997. She is currently the Marble Professor of Astrophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the Dean of MIT’s School of Science. Mavalvala is also known as an out lesbian, a rarity in the world of physics. She has been recognized for her extraordinary achievements with numerous awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship in 2010. Her work and life send a powerful message about the importance of diversity in the STEM fields.

Awards:

•  Joseph F. Keithley Award For Advances in Measurement Science (2013)

10. Abdul Majid

Abdul Majid is an incredibly talented and accomplished astrophysicist and scientist. He dedicated his life to the field of space technology, and his contributions to Pakistan’s space program have been immense. As former chairman of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, he was a driving force behind the country’s space exploration and research efforts. During his time at SUPARCO, he masterminded and developed two Low Earth orbit satellites, which were major achievements for Pakistan. Not content to stop there, he also initiated a satellite launch vehicle project that would have propelled the country further into the space race. While he’s no longer involved in Pakistan’s space program, Abdul Majid still enjoys a quiet life in Karachi, content in the knowledge that he played a significant role in his country’s technological advancements.

Awards:

• Sitara-i-Imtiaz (1999)

Conclusion

The extensive contributions of these renowned Pakistani scientists illustrate a legacy of resilience, determination, and groundbreaking research. Their achievements not only reflect the scientific prowess of Pakistan on the international stage, but also serve to inspire future generations of scientists in the country. Despite numerous challenges, their unwavering commitment to discovery and innovation has paved the way for a bright future for science in Pakistan.