Pakistani Students Earn Three Bronze Medals at International Physics Olympiad 2026
Pakistan’s young science talent achieved international recognition by winning three bronze medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from July 4 to July 12, 2026.
The annual competition brought together more than 400 students from over 90 countries, providing a global platform for some of the world’s brightest high school physics students to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and analytical skills.
Three Students Win Bronze Medals
The bronze medals were awarded to:
- Zulfiqar Ali from Government City Boys School, Dera Ghazi Khan
- Ali Hamdan Alvi from FG Sir Syed College, Rawalpindi
- Daniyal Shahzad Hamid from The Science School, Rawat, Islamabad
Their achievements highlight the growing strength of Pakistani students in international science competitions.
Honorable Mentions for Two Participants
Two additional members of the national team also received Honorable Mention awards for their strong performances:
- Hazza Mahmood of Aitchison College, Lahore
- Abdullah Ejaz of Siddeeq Public School, Rawalpindi
Their recognition reflects the overall competitiveness of Pakistan’s delegation at this year’s Olympiad.
Rigorous Selection and Training
The students were selected through the 22nd National Science Talent Contest (NSTC), organized under the STEM Careers Programme, a collaborative initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS).
Following the nationwide selection process, the team participated in intensive residential training camps at the PIEAS campus, where they received advanced instruction in both theoretical and experimental physics from experienced national and international mentors.
Promoting Scientific Excellence
Officials said the specialized training prepared the students to compete successfully at one of the world’s most prestigious science competitions.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Irfan and Dr. Mohammad Waseem of PIEAS, who guided the team throughout its preparation and participation in the Olympiad.
The students’ success adds another achievement to Pakistan’s growing record in international academic competitions and highlights the importance of continued investment in science education and talent development.

