Dr. Salam’s vision for Science Popularisation and its benefits for society ABC CERTIFIED

Thematic Edition 2015 www.technologytimes.pk

ence of people in the North and the South is merely a difference in their mastery of Science and Technology. With this prescription, he set Dr. Salam’s science and technology himself the target of building scientific capac- ity of the under-developed countries. The im- pediments of this venture were not unknown to him; he himself had to cross the barriers education vision and us of indifference and isolation. Unlike armchair intellectuals, he put his energies to practical He served as member of tained a research programme Salam Centre- ICTP and it wish that our children and work and used his enormous passion to bring the PAEC, Science Com- for the Pakistani scientists. was an exclusive pleasure and youth study him and follow about real change of mindsets. His story of sci- mission of Pakistan and the Many prominent and young pride for me to have partici- his vision for a better and entific excellence and institution-building for Chief Scientific Advisor to scientists of Pakistan and the pated in a course on Science prosperous tomorrow. Policy the South is well known. The institutions, like the President from 1961 to developing world have bene- Diplomacy by American As- makers and the Government ICTP and TWAS, have become the epitome 1974; a position from which fitted from his initiatives and sociation for the Advance- needs to benefit from Salam’s of his grand vision. The world recognizes his he played a major and influ- thought for development of genius and admits his stature as a visionary, Prof. Manzoor H. Soomro ential role in Pakistani sci- science and technology as who practiced what he preached. ence infrastructure develop- basis for economic develop- In Pakistan, his legacy lives on in the form of THE 89TH BIRTH Anni- versary of Pakistan’s first ever ment. Salam was responsible ment. May God rest his soul outstanding scientists, who built their careers for not only major develop- in peace! by experiencing the bohemian life at ICTP and the only Nobel Laureate in Science- a legend Prof. Dr. ment and contribution in ECO Science Foundation campus overlooking the calm waters of Adri- theoretical and particle phys- – The Torch Bearer for atic Sea in Trieste. He will also be remembered Abdus Salam is being cel- ebrated on January 29, 2015 ics, but also promoting sci- Science in the Region for the institutions that symbolize his life-long entific research at maximum Message by ambition of turning the wheels of history and not only to pay homage to his The ECO Science Founda- glowing services for Pakistan level in his country. bringing the love of knowledge, tolerance and Professor Adus Salam got tion (ECOSF) derives strength Executive Director enlightenment to his native land. To him acqui- and the mankind, but also and guidance from the vision to renew our commitment his Nobel Prize in Physics in COMSATS, sition of scientific knowledge was the noblest of 1979 for his groundbreak- and struggles of Prof. Abdus all quests. For this he has left with us the Inter- to carry on his science and Salam for S&T based socio- technology vision, more vig- ing research in theoretical Dr. I.E. Qureshi national Nathiagali Summer College, National physics and contribution to economic development in the Centre for Physics (NCP), Salam Prizes in basic orously for socioeconomic ECO Region. ECOSF was es- development of his country, electroweak unification . As THE WORLD has seen very few Nobel sciences, and above-all, the Commission on Sci- a teacher and science promot- tablished as a specialized agen- Laureates, who built their scientific careers ence and Technology for Sustainable Develop- the ECO Region and beyond. cy of Economic Cooperation Dr. Abdus Salam was a firm er, Salam is remembered as a against heaviest possible odds, yet devoted ment in the South (COMSATS). founder and scientific father Organization (ECO) on 20 much of their lives in serving the cause of As a realization of his ever-expanding believer that “scientific thought December 2011 in the city of is the common heritage of of mathematical and theoreti- mankind’s welfare. Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam agenda to instill scientific culture in develop- cal physics in Pakistan. Islamabad, Pakistan. However, stands at par with the historic giants of sci- ing countries, Salam wanted to up-scale his mankind” and that developing it became practically func- nations should help themselves Salam heavily contributed entific discovery, and head and shoulders triumph at Trieste and looked for avenues of to the rise of Pakistani Phys- tional in June 2013. ECOSF above those who deeply cared about human- an autonomous Commission of the countries by investing in their own scien- is mandated to promote sci- tists to boost development, and ics community in the world. ity. He especially agonized over the predica- of the South, having a network of world-class Even until his death, Salam entific and technological re- ment of billions in the developing world, who R&D centres. Given more time, and support reduce the gap between the search collaboration and other Global South and the Global continued to contribute to his legacy and the tradition ment of Science (AAAS), lead miserable lives in spite of the enormous by those who never really shared his vision physics and tirelessly advo- of hosting senior and young USA and The World Acad- relevant activities among the strides towards human development taken in and drive, he could have established such cen- North , thus contributing to- member states, leading to so- wards a more peaceful world. cated for the development of scientists continues at ICTP. emy of Sciences (TWAS) in the West during the past couple of centuries. tres from the scratch. In the end, he settled science in Third World coun- In 1997, the ICPT commem- 2014. TWAS too was the cioeconomic development in In the wake of this disparity and divide, he for connecting the existing R&D centres in He was the guiding spirit tries. In 1964, Salam founded orated Salam and renamed brainchild of Prof. Salam for the region. The Foundation wondered why the leaders of the developing different developing countries through their and the founder of Pakistan’s the International Center for ICTP as “Abdus Salam Inter- the developing world. has thus established its Sci- countries could not see what was as evident affiliation with COMSATS, setting the stage nuclear programme, Pakistan Theoretical Physics (ICTP) at national Center for Theoreti- Indeed, Professor Salam ence and Technology Fund as the palm of their hands. With his sharp for a long-term South-South cooperation. Atomic Energy Commission Trieste in Italy and served as cal Physics”. has done a lot for Pakistan (S&T Fund) for financing col- intellect, he condensed lengthy narratives of Salam lives on in his intellectual achieve- (PAEC) and Space and Upper its director until 1993. Salam Many international insti- and Pakistani scientific com- laborative research projects on development economics and psychosomatic ments and the excellent work of institutions Atmosphere Research Com- continued inviting Pakistan’s tutions and associations take munity as well as for that of competitive basis. comparisons in one single phrase; the differ- he helped create. mission (SUPARCO). scientists to (ICTP) and main- pride in partnering with the the developing world, I only Continued on page IV Pakistan always remained Dr. Salam’s priority: Dr. Baig Prof. Dr. M. Aslam Baig (H.I; S.I; T.I), Distinguished National Professor, shared his memoir of only Pakistani Noble Laureate Dr. Abdus Salam with the Team of Technology Times — Sayyed Paras Ali & Sidra Saif Your interaction with Dr. Abdus his office, Dr. Abdus Salam to popularize and strengthen ing even to see listen to him. Salam started in 1975 till his asked for the purpose of the science in Pakistan, what Once he called me and asked death, which no doubt is a long meeting; the man said he just showed that he was taking if I wanted to go anywhere in period. What would you say wanted to pay ‘SALAM’ to forward this mission? Europe to learn about what about the vision of Dr. Abdus him. Dr. Abdus Salam again No, this is not true. In fact, was going on in my relevant Salam regarding popularization repeated his point, but the he had always been in the field. I showed my interest to of science? man replied the same. Then forefront in science popu- visit Sweden because there was Prof Dr Aslam Baig: Dr. Abdus Salam shook his larization and helping the a well known Atomic Physics Dr. Abdus Salam, who was the hand with the man and said, deserving personals. Here I Laboratory where I could do first Pakistani Noble Laureate SALAM HO GIA; OK” you would share with you his co- some experiments and learn from the Muslim world, was may go now. Later, the man operative attitude. I was doing these techniques. He immedi- very particular in his mission expressed his surprise over M.Phil at Karachi University ately called a relevant official and vision. He did not like to the attitude, but I said Dr. where I saw an advertisement and asked him to arrange my visa, ticket and money for the two-week visit. This was the Salam’s way of helping those who have desire to learn. I was very much impressed by his helping attitude. When I reached Sweden amid biting cold weather , the Professor received me with open arms. During my stay there, though I could not do a lot, yet it provided me an opportunity to discuss many things which helped me in my career build- ing. Prof. Salam was not just a great scientist but was a superb human being. He loved Paki- stan and Pakistanis from the depth of his heart. Let me tell you another incidence. One day Prof. Salam asked me if I wanted to pursue for PhD. My reply was of course yes. He asked whether I had applied involve in such activities that Abdus Salam did not like about the Winter College on for this purpose in any univer- could take him even others formalities and loved to see Atomic, Molecular and Laser sity and my reply was no. He off their targets. I found him those who come with some Physics to be held at ICTP, was so kind to me and said, very committed in his life; he specific missions and focused Italy. Without any hopes to you can use my name as a ref- was focused and wanted oth- programs in life. be selected for this activity, I erence and write to different ers to remain dedicated with Prof. Salam was very keen submitted my application for universities. I followed his ad- their missions. He was very to promote science in Pa- participation. To my surprise, vise and in very short span of comfortable with those who kistan and in the Muslim I was selected because I was time I received five offers from preferred to talk on focused world. He wrote a number of also working in the relevant different Universities of Eu- issues and always avoided to articles for this cause and pre- field; Atomic and Molecular rope, USA and UK. I would interact with those who had sented his thoughts at differ- Physics. Here I met Dr. Ab- like to mention the name no ambitions in their life. I ent meetings internationally. dus Salam for the first time of a well known Theoretical was doing my PhD in Impe- The man was so dedicated in 1975 at the International Physicist, Professor Bates from rial College, London, and Dr. for science that he had hardly Center for Theoretical Phys- Belfast University, Ireland. In Abdus Salam was Professor any time to relax. I wonder ics, Trieste, Italy. Prof. Salam addition, an offer from Prof. of Theoretical Physics at this how he was managing the life used to invite all the Pakista- Garton at the Imperial Col- institution. I remember an having two very important nis participants for interaction lege, London. On the advice occasion, a Pakistani was vis- positions; a Professorship at and to know who was doing of Prof. Salam, I preferred the iting London and came to me Imperial College, London what. He was very concerned Imperial College. I came back and showed his desire to see and the Director of the Inter- about Pakistan that he wanted to Pakistan, cleared my M.Phil Dr. Abdus Salam. I told him national Center for Theoreti- to know that those Pakistanis and joined the Imperial Col- that he is a very busy person cal Physics, Trieste, Italy. who were attending the college lege, London. Meanwhile, and had hardly any time for Sir, this incident shows that had come to learn something Professor WRS Garton from such meetings but he insisted Dr. Abdus Salam was very or just to have a good time the Imperial college asked if I to meet him. I called his sec- much particular in meet- in Europe. I stayed there for have enough money to travel retary and luckily got a mes- ing certain kind of persons. three months and during this to London. I replied, although sage to that Prof. has given a But as you said that Dr. time I meet Prof. a number of I have some savings but will time for us. When we entered Salam was very committed times as it was always inspir- Continued on page III II Dr Salam’s vision for Science Popularisation and its benefits for society

Some comments about Book The inspiring life of Abdus Salam Dr Abdus Salam Dr. B.N. Anand respective of their religious Indeed Professor (Dr) belief. I feel proud that he a complete profile of Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam should have was son of soil. guess what would be right The lecture notes were very had to this say about dona- to cook something that he and clarity of Abdus (Salam) been the pride of Pakistan , without having worked out typical of Salam’s style, to be tions given to students by missed because he had lived vision on the future of but Alas, he was not to be. Rashid the mathematics. “ When able to pick up, in physics as Salam: “I became aware of in the West for so long, most- CERN: he used to insist on Being an Ahmedia, he was I find it annoying when- standing up to argue with well as in other domains, the his great humanity of his do- ly on his own. Once Salam the relevance of concentrat- disowned and even his grave ever he is labelled as a “for- him on one of the finer most important points, and nations to the poor without was so happy with Nasir that ing primarily on key, strategic was not spared to remove gotten” hero. Though the points of the problem you to look at them very carefully, making himself conspicuous. he held his hand and prayed choices related to fundamen- his religion and his being Pakistani nation is not bad had to be pretty darn sure neglecting the less important As a matter of fact few people for him. But Salam was to stay tal questions. I believe that a Pakistan national. That is at valuing its benefactors Zakaria Virk of what you said because he details, provided the final re- know that with the money he alone. Salam had devoted his he has contributed in a major not how nations treat the which is evident from the had a wonderful intuition sult was correct.” received from prizes conferred life to physics and to ICTP. way in defining the next 20 heroes of the country. He fact that this gentleman is I PURCHASED a copy of known to every Pakistani this fascinating book after go- about the answer and was Prof. Gordon Feldman upon him, he constituted a Even when he was ill he had years of CERN.” (p.262) was not only a brilliant sci- much more often right than (d. February 2014) has ob- fund for donations of instru- no companion, no one at his Surprisingly the Ahmadi- entist but also super fine hu- Kid and Pakistani textbooks ing to 3 book stores in Lahore have biographical essays on last year. From 1982 when the wrong. When out of despera- served the following regard- mentations to the physics de- home with him at Trieste. In yya sect Salam belonged to man being. first biography appeared, so tion you would confront him ing Salam’s passion for phys- partments of developing coun- 1987 Salam was official guest has not been mentioned at all. far five biographies have ap- and ask him how he could be ics. “Abdus (Salam) was not tries”. (p273) of Punjab government. He One of the passionate support- peared on the momentous life so certain, he would break only excited about his own Professor Abdul Waheed was invited to a dinner at a ers of Salam in Pakistan is Dr. of Dr. Salam. First one was by into his wicked smiles, twid- ideas but also excited when told Dr. Kamran that when he Chinese restaurant, he re- Hoodbhoy, strangely none of Dr. Abdul Ghani 1982, Azim his work has been consulted. Kidwai 1989, Jagjit Singh This is the first book which 1992, then Gordon Fraser has appeared in Pakistan after 2008 and now the latest one 32 years. In view of the pre- is of Dr. Kamran 2013. Not vailing provocative, hazardous only that I have read these and hostile as well as intoler- biographies I have all of these able political & religious mi- in my personal library, besides lieu in the Islamic Republic, it a vast of collections of docu- is audacious on the part of the ments related to the life of this distinguished author to have outstanding Muslim physicist published this biography. To since the time of ibn al-Haith- utter Salam’s name is to invite am 1000 years ago. trouble. Dr. Kamran deserves Dr Mujahid Kamran, Vice applause. This engaging vol- Chancellor Punjab University ume is a valuable addition to It was in 1980 that Dr. Ab- biographies of Dr. Salam, one dus Salam expressed his de- of the outstanding unifiers of sire that Dr. Kamran should 20th century. In my personal compile his biography. It took library I have a shelf of favorite nearly 25 years to fulfill this books. This tome certainly holds a conspicuous spot. desire. Previous to this book Anwer his scientific contributions. Dr. Kamran’s several articles On a personal note I would like to state that I had It is time to celebrate He is surely a hero but not on Dr. Salam have been pub- Abdus Salam’s legacy in Pa- at all “forgotten”!! lished in various journals and the privilege of corresponding with Dr. Salam for 15 years. I kistan by declaring January newspapers. As a professor of 29th each year as “Abdus A. Malik theoretical physics Dr. Kam- translated into English one Dr. Salam laid the founda- of his biographical article, Salam Day”. Like other days ran was well suited to pen in honor of national heroes tion of an institution that ul- such a biography. In 1985 he mailed it to him, he had it timately facilitated Pakistan typed up on a computer and of Pakistan this would not was awarded Abdus Salam be a day off from school become a nuclear power. Award. sent me a copy in 1992. It has been quoted by many well- for children of Pakistan. I Nasiroski The distinctive feature of envision that all school & How can a country de- this latest biography is; which known authors including Gordon Fraser. I have com- college children on this day velop and society flourish is not found in all previous would be encouraged to when they can’t separate biographies, that the exami- piled 3 books in Urdu on his life and achievements, trans- display science projects all a scientists genius and nation results of Salam from over Pakistan. There would achievements from his reli- matriculation to masters 1940- lated scores of articles from English into Urdu and Urdu be competitions in different gious beliefs. 1946 have been published categories of various science from the original Punjab uni- into English. I have CD’s of Azhar dle his thumbs, lean back in he read about something but informed Salam that he had fused. his 2 interviews which he subjects and prizes, trophies versity records. This must have scholarships in honor of Ab- We are very proud what been a daunting task. his chair, raise his finger and he had not known before and prayed for him at the Holy Nasir Iqbal told the au- gave to a radio station in To- he contributed and how point upwards. Mind you if thought was simply beautiful. Kaba, Salam’s eyes turned wet. thor that one night Salam fell ronto and his formal talk to dus Salam would be award- Dr. Kamran book is in- ed to the winners...... serviced during his life. He sightful, inspiring and gives you stood your ground and I remember bursting into the His eyes became many a times down in his Trieste home and Ottawa Ahmadiyya commu- is gone but his soul rests in you the glimpse in the life of (on the odd occasion) turned office once and on the black- when told that ordinary peo- lay on the floor all night as he nity in 1982. He was kind to Jalaluddin S. Hussain Pakistan. Many Pakistanis a complex man. There are in- out to be correct, he did re- board he drew a short line ple of Pakistan respected him could not get up. His driver send me his book Unification Scientist, like Dr. Salam, are very proud of him. His triguing anecdotes narrated in spect you for it”. segment with two little circles immensely. went inside the residence of Fundamental Forces when have made Pakistan great! legacy will live with us for- Luciano Bertocchi, former attached to the end and with Salam’s nephew Nasir next morning and saw him it was published, and 10 cop- this comprehensive book, es- Adnan Khan ever. May Allah gives him pecially the chapter the physi- deputy director of ICTP, his eyes glowing with excite- Iqbal who worked at ICTP lying where he had fallen. ies of Ideals and Realities. haven and turns our hearts states in the Fall of 1956 he ment he said, “ tha’s SU(3)”. for several years, some- (p.279) If someone asked me how Dr. Salam was son of Pa- cist and the man. kistan and will always be! and minds to serve human- For instance a former stu- “received a copy of the written Needless to say neither Paul times cooked Pakistani food With regards to Salam’s you would describe this book ity. lecture notes on dispersion (Mathews) not I had a clue to (mincemeat with potatoes) contributions to CERN Dr. in one word, my answer will Tayyab dent of Salam, Dr. Delbourgo Mohummud Idrees Husain makes the following observa- relations delivered by Salam what he was talking about.” which Salam relished. Some- Carlo Rubia observed, “I still be INSPIRING. Dr.Abdus Salam is our tion about Salam’s ability to at Rochester Conference. Professor Luciano Fonda times he would wait for Nasir recall the vivid enthusiasm [email protected] Salam, Abdus Salam ises that it is not just that we as professor and chairman became a frantic collabora- global discourse to designing political move and little did have appreciated this man so of the Mathematics Depart- tor and prolific researcher in national policy. he recognise the depths of per- little, but that we know so lit- ment. elementary particle physics. Despite his bad experi- version and persecution this tle about him. Within two years, how- Amongst other things, he ences with societal bigotry would lead to. Abdus Salam Muhammad Abdus ever, he was back in Cam- introduced the now-famous and intellectual pettiness, tendered his resignation, writ- Salam, born in the Sahiwal bridge, pushed out by rising Higgs bosons to the standard he could never keep himself ing: “Islam does not give any district in 1926, was a teach- anti-Ahmedi sentiments but, model and, of course, made away from Pakistan; even segment of the Islamic com- Dr Adil Najam er’s son who grew to become at this point, much more by ground-breaking “contribu- when not physically there. munity the right to pronounce a teacher. At 14 he stood the pettiness of his academic tions to the theory of the In 1960 he became science on the faith of any other seg- IMAGINE YOURSELF ‘first’ in the Matriculation colleagues. According to his unified weak and electromag- advisor to Ayub Khan and ment, faith being a matter be- in Stockholm on December examination in the Punjab, biographer he was seen as “a netic interaction between was amongst the founders of tween man and his Creator.” 10, 1979. In different rooms breaking all previous records. young upstart, too big for his elementary particles, includ- the Pakistan Atomic Energy According to Gordon of a grand hotel, nine of the At 16, at Lahore’s Govern- Commission (PAEC), the Fraser, Bhutto tried to keep world’s smartest men scram- ment College, he found a Space and Upper Atmos- Salam engaged: “‘This is all ble into black tailcoats and love for mathematics under phere Research Commission politics,’ [Bhutto] tried to pla- white bowties; preparing to the brilliant Prof Sarvadaman (Suparco), the Pakistan Insti- cate Salam, ‘Give me time, I receive Nobel awards from Chowla. Responding one day tute for Nuclear Science and will change it.’ Salam asked the king of Sweden. In a tenth to Prof Chowla’s homework Technology, and the Inter- Bhutto to write down what he room, a stocky bearded Paki- challenge (on extending one national Nathiagali Summer had just said on a note that stani gets into a black sher- of Srinivasa Ramanujan’s fa- College on Physics and Con- would remain private. ‘I can’t wani, a white shalwar, a pair pride, a true national hero. mous simultaneous quadratic temporary Needs. He headed do that,’ replied the master Good man. Great scien- of gold embroidered curled equations problem) Salam Pakistan’s IAEA delegations politician.” Feel sorry for the way he was khussa shoes, and then strug- treated, despite being a pa- tist. Pride of Pakistan, May found an elegant solution for a decade, was the driving The rest, as they say, is sor- Allah bless his soul. gles to tie a pagri (turban). It’s that was to become his first force behind Pakistan’s first did history. Bhutto was never triot to his nation. a skill he was once good at academic paper, published at nuclear energy plant, and its able to put the genie back into Probal Kundu but has now forgotten. Imtiaz Hydari age 18. space agreements with Nasa the bottle and the injustice A great Scientist and the The theory for which Tying that pagri turns out By age 20, he had (luckily) which included plans to build has only become more grave Dr. Salam got the Noble to be as tricky as the physics Pride of Pakistan. I salute failed to qualify for a job in a space facility in Balochistan. and deadly. Ziaul Haq at least our Nobel Laureate Prize can be placed as, one he is to be honoured for. A the Railways – for reasons of Internationally, he was had the grace to congratulate of the few great discoveries cook from the Pakistan em- age and eyesight – but already founder of the Third World Salam and award him with KRana in physics in this century. bassy is called to assist, but completed his MA in math- Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Pakistan’s highest civil award, I am an Indian and be- I feel proud to be from his is not much help. Finally, ematics. With a scholarship and, of course, the Interna- the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, when he ing a researcher, I have great subcontinent our physicist does the best from the Punjab government tional Centre for Theoreti- won the Nobel. As Prime Min- respect for him. If Pakistan he can himself. If you watch (redirected from funds origi- cal Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, ister, Benazir Bhutto would can give Nisan-e-Pakistan Marghoob Ahmed Sid- the grainy footage of the day, nally collected as a World Italy, which is now named not even have the courtesy to to Dilip Kumar why not for diqui you will see that it was not War II tax) Salam was offered after him and which he had grant him an appointment (al- Sir, Abdus Salam, I think He did great things for quite right after all. But he admission at St John’s Col- wanted to be based in Paki- though she would later send he deserved it and it will Pakistan and his area. We still stands out as the most el- lege, Cambridge, but only if stan. Abdus Salam’s contribu- him a note of greetings on his be great if Pakistan includes salute him for what he did. egant man in that royal room. he were to start as an under- tions as an institution builder 70th birthday). him in the textbook, so that At least to my Pakistani eyes Danyal B Syed graduate student. He did. are, in fact, as vital as his Indeed, faith is a matter coming generation learn From my college days he does. At Cambridge he became achievements as a scientists. between man and his Creator. about him Later that night, as he rose I have admired Dr Abdus close to noted astronomer boots, a high-flying student ing, inter alia, the prediction The ICTP, in particular, be- So, let God judge Salam for his Salam, my fellow old Ravian to make a speech, his message Fred Hoyle, but it was the who had escaped the double of the weak neutral current” came his driving passion, es- faith. It is not for us to do so. Nino was even more explicit. Break- No matter what his be- as a great physicist. He was 1933 Nobel winner Paul trauma of the partition of (from the original citation) pecially in his later years as he It is for us, however, to at least the beacon of light and a ing into Urdu, he says to his Dirac who really sparked a a country and a province.” for which he was awarded the was marginalised out of Paki- undo the legacy of shameful si- lief was, let us not forget hosts: “Pakistan iss key li’ye that he was the off-spring motivator for so many bud- passion for theoretical phys- Threatened and envious, 1979 Nobel Prize in Physics stan; particularly hurtful was lence and indecent ingratitude ding young Ravian scientists. aap ka buhat mashkur hai” ics. By 1950, he had received his colleagues connived to along with Sheldon Glashow when his 1987 bid to become that we have piled upon this of this land and a citizen (“Pakistan is deeply indebted of this country. The bigots Above all a great human. He Cambridge’s prestigious sabotage his aspirations with and Steven Weinberg. Unesco director general was finest son of Pakistan. will always be remembered as to you for this”). He goes on, Smith Prize and was already political manoeuvrings and Even as Abdus Salam be- scuttled by his own country, The fact is that the forces may not honour him but then, to recite from the Holy then who cares, the world the first Pakistani to receive wowing peers and being no- administrative shenanigans. came an authority on high-en- then under Ziaul Haq. of violence have not suc- the Nobel Prize. That will Quran and derives from that ticed by physics luminaries. Having neither the time ergy physics, his own high en- Nothing, of course, can ceeded in expunging him remembers him and he is a his central message to the hero to millions. The loss is always be his place in his- Doing all this much faster nor the interest to play petty ergy could not be contained compare to the deep trau- from our memory. While the tory and no other Pakistani gathering: “This in effect is, than Cambridge regulations political games, Salam re- by research alone. Like a force ma and heartbreak of that majority may wish to hide ours. He was a tall man in the faith of all physicists; the all manners of speaking and would be able to claim this. allowed meant that Salam turned to Cambridge and of nature, the multi-tasking dark and fateful September in the comfort of silence, I His religion and believes are deeper we seek, the more is could not be granted a PhD immediately plunged into Abdus Salam would always 7, 1974, when Zulfikar Ali would wager that those who through his achievements our wonder excited, the more taller than most of us. I his personal matter and I just yet. Having now been a whirlwind of activity and be on the move, moving Bhutto’s government had respect Abdus Salam for who never judge people based on is the dazzlement for our away from home for five achievement. In 1955 he from country to country, in- parliament declare the Ah- he was outnumber those who hang my head in shame. gaze.” that. That job of judging peo- years, and ‘home’ now being completed his PhD. In 1957, stitution to institution, from madi sect – to which Abdus do not. If I am right in this Muhammad Afzal Khan ple belongs to the Creator As one reads Gordon a new country, Abdus Salam he took up a Chair at Impe- research to policy to manage- Salam belonged – officially assumption, let us demon- Fraser’s fascinating biogra- Dr. Abdus Salam is in- and He knows the best how declined a research position rial College. In 1959, at age ment, from writing papers to non-Muslim. His diary entry strate it. If I am wrong, let us deed unsung hero of Paki- to do it. I salute him what he phy (Cosmic Anger: Abdus at Princeton and returned 33, he became one of the raising money, from mentor- for that day: “Declared non- change it. Salam-The First Muslim No- stan but he lives in the heart was – a great physicist and a to Lahore in 1951, where he youngest Fellow of the Royal ing young scholars to advising Muslim. Cannot cope.” Twitter: @adilnajam of millions of Pakistanis ir- human being... bel Scientist; 2008) one real- joined Government College Society. Most importantly, he heads of state, from steering For Bhutto this was just a Courtesy: The News Dr Salam’s vision for Science Popularisation and its benefits for society III Salam: We need more than Dr. Abdus Salam – a scientist beyond boundaries just eulogies By Hammad Saleem to inadequate research facil- inclinations and the bulk of ity in Pakistan. But none of activities he was indulged in. Yuval Ne’eman, was the co- turning point when, by a deci- discuss this issue with him. and his ego, to determine BLAZING IN the history of these boundaries could limit All that he did in his life was discoverer of “the eight-fold sion of Pakistan’s national as- I said his frequent allusions the outcome of his scientific Pakistan, is the story of a man the fertility of his determina- selfless and purposeful work. way” of classifying baryons, sembly, the Ahmediyyas were during public lectures to mys- work. As a co-creator of Elec- who is a source of superlative tion. He initiated SUPARCO He commenced the “Associ- with Murray Gell-Mann. An- declared heretical. Salam, a tical experiences had left a troweak Unification he never pride for the entire nation. in 1961, Pakistan Institute of ateships” at ICTP for young other, Ronald Shaw, discov- strong believer, resigned his widespread impression that claimed that this theory was The greatest of minds that Nuclear Science and Technol- deserving scientist from the ered the non-Abelian gauge official position. he favored a fusion of religion the last word; he spent much Pakistan has ever produced ogy at Nilore in 1965 and developing countries, so that theory independently of C. Salam failed to bring sci- with science. Was that what of his years after 1968 seeking and the only Nobel Laureate headed them while doing they could used their fresh Prof Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy N. Yang and Robert Mills. ence back to Islam. But it was he actually believed? No, he routes for a more complete for the country, Dr Abdus best at research abroad. He and charged up academic NO INDIVIDUAL has had Salam’s own research ranged not for lack of trying. The said. I urged him to clarify his vision of physics. On the Salam, was simply a genius in had been far-reaching and in- knowledge to find the answer a greater impact on science in far and wide – electroweak Islamic Science Foundation, position, and suggested an other hand, his religious be- his field whose brilliance is fluential for his country as a to scientific mysteries in their Pakistan than Abdus Salam. unification, proton decay, su- a grand scheme for scientific opportunity. liefs and cultural background unmatched to date. He pos- Member of Pakistan Atomic vacations. He aimed to break The only Pakistani winner persymmetry, and beyond. advancement with an endow- Over the General Zia-ul- deeply influenced the course sessed a magnanimous heart Energy Commission, a mem- down the issue of isolation of the physics Nobel Prize, Until a neurological motor ment of $1 billion collected Haq years, I had written a of his life. These became that made him feel, spend ber of Scientific Commission from one’s own country for he placed our country on the disease put an end to his life from oil-rich countries, came book Islam and Science –Re- more important as he grew and work to eradicate the bar- of Pakistan and as the Chief entire year without any com- scientific map of the world, in 1996, Salam was relentless- to nought after Salam was ligious Orthodoxy and the older. Sometime in the 80’s inspired countless young ly driven by three passions: banned from ever setting foot Battle for Rationality which he began signing himself as people to opt for scientific an urge to excel in physics, in Saudi Arabia. Kuwait and emphasised the wholly secu- “Mohammed Abdus Salam”. careers, and helped establish the desire to put Pakistan on Iran did give some money for lar character of modern sci- At the one level he sought many of the country’s largest the high road to prosperity supporting their scientists at ence. It detailed absurdities peace, tranquillity, and in- scientific institutions. This, through science, and a mis- the ICTP, but the amounts of the so-called new “Islamic spiration, in contemplation of course, is in addition to sionary zeal to revive the sci- were niggardly. Promises by Science”, and made the case and prayer. He became per- his many important contribu- ences in Islam. kings, princes, and emirs re- that the long and glorious suaded that the Holy Quran tions in physics as well as the Salam certainly achieved mained promises. Salam’s period of Muslim science was demands man to seek scien- establishment of the Interna- the first – his prizes and efforts contributed towards ultimately terminated by the tific truth, and that man has tional Centre for Theoretical awards are many. Apart from creating some of the score rise of an inflexible religious been uniquely empowered Physics in Trieste, Italy, which the 1979 Nobel Prize, he or so organisations whose orthodoxy. Would Professor to solve the deep mysteries now bears his name. holds, among others, the Ad- raison d’etre was to acceler- Salam write a preface to this of the universe. At another Abdus Salam’s humble ams Prize (1958) from Cam- ate science and technology in book and comment upon a level, he became an intrepid origins make this yet more bridge University, Atoms for Muslim countries. But these viewpoint that was apparently fighter for causes held even by extraordinary. “There was no Peace Prize (1968), the Ein- organisations actually provide so different from his? What those individuals who would electricity in the town of Jhang stein Medal (1979) and the nothing but cushy jobs for was the relevance of his belief have nothing to do with him. in those days, so I would fill Intensely proud of the the oil in the lantern as bhai- Muslim contributions to sci- jan (elder brother) studied ence and civilisation, and for his matriculation exams”, upset at how they are usually mused his brother Chaud- forgotten or side-lined, Salam hry Abdul Hamid, now also would gently but eloquently dead. The studious young admonish Western audiences Salam saw an electric light for for their ignorance. Signifi- the first time when he left to cantly, he began his Nobel study in Lahore. It goes to the Prize speech about the travel credit of his high school teach- of the Michael the Scot to riers for his fellow scientist Scientific Advisor to the pres- promise on one’s love for ers who, though outpaced by Muslim Spain in the search for the developing world. ident for thirteen years. His physics. Salam strained every him, chose not the path of for knowledge, emphasizing Dr Abdus Salam was born service for the country result- nerve to open channels for jealous reaction but, instead, that in those days the lands of on January 29th, 1926, in San- ed in some extremely crucial the upcoming brains. Also, recognised and respected the Islam were the sole repositor- tok Das, district Sahiwal, pres- developments later on. he put in the possible finan- young boy’s talent for physics ies of learning. Before Muslim ently known as Jhang in Paki- Salam devoted himself as cial assistance he could. His and mathematics. Winning audiences he would make pas- stan. He had an outstanding a researcher in theoretical staff, who cheerfully submit- a scholarship enabled him to sionate exhortations that Mus- start to his academic career. elementary particle physics ted themselves in difficult proceed to England. lims should re-enter the world He obtained a record-breaking and proved to be immensely working conditions, spoke In 1949 Salam earned a of science and technology be- streak of securing the best in prolific in the business. Most volumes for Salam’s dedica- first-class degree in physics fore they became utterly mar- every exam he encountered of the developments of this tion and hard work which from Cambridge Univer- ginalized. Nothing hurt him in his journey from matricula- field had the contribution of was a motivation for the peo- sity in just one year. Then in Peace Medal (1981). Salam those who sit at their helms; in wahdat-ul-wajood (which more than the stony barren- tion at the age of 14, till getting his constantly flowing scintil- ple around him. 1950 he solved an important received honorary degrees they are nothing on the to- he claimed had inspired him ness of the intellect in Islamic a Masters Degree in 1946 form lating ideas. He stuck to his Beyond all questions, Dr problem in renormalisation from over 40 universities day’s scientific landscape. towards unification) given countries today. He was deeply University of Punjab. Besides guns for years and ultimately Abdus Salam used his mental theory, becoming a minor worldwide and a Knighthood Why has science vanished that Steven Weinberg was mortified, he recalled, when a fame all over British India, harvested a Nobel Prize for ability to the full and directed celebrity. In 1951 he returned in 1989 for his services to from Muslim lands today? the co-discoverer of the same Nobel Prize winner in physics his performance earned him his work on Electroweak Uni- it in the way of welfare of his to Government College, La- British science. There is little Salam concluded that “Sci- Electroweak Unification said to him: “Salam, do you hore, but found to his disap- doubt that Salam belongs to ence only prospers provided theory? Weinberg, although really think we have an obliga- pointment that research was the pantheon of the all-time there are sufficient practition- born a Jew, had rejected the tion to succour, aid, and keep not encouraged. Without a greats: Al-Khwarizmi, Jabir ers to constitute a community notion of God from the time alive those nations who have library or colleagues to talk ibn Hayyan, Ibn-al-Haytham which can work with serenity, he was 10 years old. never created or added an iota to, he reluctantly went back (who he particularly ad- with fullest support in terms I presumed that Prof. to man’s stock of knowledge?” to Britain in 1954. mired), and other Arab and of the necessary experimen- Salam would react against Salam died on the 20th tal and library infrastructure, many parts of my book, al- of November 1996. He was and with the ability to criti- though perhaps not the buried, according to his re- cize openly each other’s work. whole but his response left quest, in Pakistan. No min- These conditions are not satis- me pleasantly shocked. “I do ister or high government fied in contemporary Islam.” not disagree with anything official attended his funeral. Many are intrigued by the that Dr. Hoodbhoy has writ- For the Islamic world, deep fact that a strong believer was ten in this book”, he wrote in medieval slumber, it was a also a very good scientist, some- in the preface, and then went non-event. By court order the thing that is highly unusual on to state in the clearest and word “Muslim” was scratched today. So did Salam perceive most unequivocal terms the off his gravestone. faith and religion to be inex- irrelevance of religious be- Eulogizing Abdus Salam tricably intertwined? Or did he liefs to scientific discovery: “ from time to time is, of course, see science as a secular activity Dr. Hoodbhoy quotes Steven better than forgetting him. But which could comfortably go Weinberg’s and my research it is not enough. Instead, what about its own merry way? Con- and says that it made no basic we need is a cultural attitude siderable confusion exists on difference to our work wheth- that appreciates the scientific this matter among his admirers er I was an “avowed believer ability and accomplishment of and co-religionists. They wish- and Weinberg an avowed even those individuals whose fully look towards Salam’s writ- atheist”. I can confirm that religious or political beliefs are By the early 1960s, Salam ings and speeches, reading into he is right. We were both different from that of the rest. was already among the Persian scholars. them their own beliefs, preju- “geographically and ideologi- As a reading of history shows, a scholarship for doctorate at world’s top authorities in But Pakistan, his own coun- dices, and desires. Also con- cally remote from each other” the period of Muslim great- Cambridge. Awe-inspiringly, fication of Electromagnetic fellow beings and his country. particle physics. At 31, he was try, came to see him different- fusing is the fact that Salam, when we conceived the same ness in science between the he ended up doing double and Weak forces, in 1979. He would have had the same the youngest ever professor of ly. In earlier years, Salam had who was a believer not just by theory of physics for unifying 9th and 13th centuries owed doctorate in first class in Math He shared the prize with stature and been the brilliant theoretical physics at Imperial been hugely influential in the birth but also by conviction, of- the weak and electromagnetic precisely to this attitude. Con- and Physics and that too, in his fellow scientists Sheldon scientist he was even if he College, London. Salam soon political establishment. Seen ten quoted profusely from the forces. If there was any bias versely, when earlier attitudes three years instead of the usu- Glashow and Steven Wein- had not won the Nobel Prize. pushed Imperial towards the as a kind of cultural amphibi- Holy Book in addressing lay towards the unification para- were replaced by closed-mind- al five years. His stirring thesis berg. Other notable achieve- And it stands to reason that very forefront of research. an equally at home in Pakistan audiences and sometimes used digm in my thinking, it was edness, science disappeared gave him international recog- ment of Dr Salam includes throughout his life, he was an Under his prodding, group and in scientific circles of the religious symbolism in his de- unconsciously motivated by from Muslim lands. nition then and there. Pati-Salam model, Magnetic Ambassador of Progress. He theory was applied for the West, Salam became the chief scriptions of scientific concepts my background as a Muslim.” Pervez Hoodbhoy, Zohra and Dr Salam’s passion to photon, Vector Meson, brought up many innovations first time to classify existing scientific adviser to the Presi- and discoveries. Certainly, Salam’s integ- Z.Z.Ahmed are Distinguished serve his country and his Grand Unification theory and built platforms for others particles and predict new dent. He labored hard to set Sometime in 1988 or rity and intelligence did not Professors of Physics and dream to pursue a career of and Supersymmetry. to follow his footsteps. Pakistan on the road of high 1989, during a conversation, permit his beliefs, or mat- ones. One of his students, Mathematics, Forman Christian research in physics seemed Dr Abdus Salam gave up Courtesy: ieeepnec.org science. But 1974 marked the I picked up the courage to ters of personal preference College-University, Lahore. out of question together due all inessentials to cater his Continued from page I: Pakistan always remained Dr. Salam’s priority: Dr. Baig appreciate if some funds be here without deciding any- generation. ed across the world he always ence, which was established the group of a Nobel Laure- Dr. Abdus Salam’s services really provided opportunities made available for my travel. thing….this is not the scientif- Do you think that Dr. Abdus stressed the need for science by Dr. Abdus Salam, was a ate Prof. Wolfgang Paul. In for Pakistan were remark- to break the isolation of the To my surprise, he promised ic answer and just wastage of Salam had been taking inter- and technology arguing that glaring proof of his mission 1985, Prof. Salam instructed able and he always thought scientists from the develop- that the travel cost will be time. All this shows that how est for science popularization without achieving this goal, in this regard. me to go back to the country about Pakistan and its ing nations; a dream of Dr. reimbursed on my arrival. much Dr. Abdus Salam was in general public? no nation can make progress. What had forced you to and develop the Experimental people. Why the ICTP was Salam. When I reached the Imperial concerned about Pakistan. His speeches especially in the come back to Pakistan and Physics. On his recommenda- not established in Pakistan? While living in Pakistan, College, a cheque was ready My last meeting with Prof. tions, I joined the Quaid-e- Was there not there any what you suggest to contin- for an advance of one month Salam was in the year 1994- Azam University, Islamabad institute of that standard at ue the mission of Dr. Abdus scholarship along with the 95 at ICTP. Prof. Denardo, in 1986. I have to work very that time? Salam in the country? travel cost. Back in my mind head of the External Activi- hard to initiate a new field, There was a strong wish of Dr. It was the core objective of I was always thinking about ties at ICTP was a good friend Laser Spectroscopy, at QAU. Abdus Salam that the ICTP Prof. Salam that it is all due to of mine and he told me that With a lot of support from Dr. Abdus Salam to end iso- should be established in Pa- lation of Pakistani scientists him. After a week there I went Prof. Salam was inquiring the Research and Develop- kistan. He had also floated a to meet Dr. Abdus Salam. He about me. I immediately went ment Organizations, I estab- and science students. I think proposal in this regard. But we need to establish a centre was so happy to see me at Im- to his office for an appoint- lished the Atomic Molecular the government of Pakistan perail College and advised me ment. To my surprise, Prof. and Laser Physics Laboratory where international scientists rejected that proposal saying would come and our science to work with dedication and Salam immediately let me which gained international he (Dr. Abdus Salam) wanted prove your identity as it would in. I was shocked to see him recognition in very short students could have a di- to build a five-star hotel for rect interaction. This centre open opportunities for other because he was leaning on time. All that I did was on the scientists and establish a dif- Pakistanis to come here. a chair and even could not advice of Dr. Abdus Salam as should be restriction-free and ferent culture in the country. open to all. This could really His love for the country speak as he used to. He of- during this time, I remained This response had really hurt was beyond any doubt. I fered me a cup of coffee and in touch with him and he ad- be a best tribute to Dr. Abdus Dr. Abdus Salam. Later, the Salam. The National Centre would share another example he was enquiring a lot about vised me a lot on various oc- Italian government offered in this regard. Once some sci- the status of science in Paki- casions. From this laboratory, for Physics is a very good plat- him to facilitate for the estab- form, provided it follows into entists from Pakistan visited stan, he was worried about the about 30 PhD and about 70 lishment of the International the ICTP and met Dr. Abdus science in Pakistan. After an M. Phil students earned their the footstep of ICTP. In Pa- Center for Theoretical Phys- kistan, we are bound to seek Salam. During interaction, hour’s discussion, he asked his degrees under my supervi- ics at Trieste, Italy. I think he asked a very senior scien- attendant to help him stand sion. It was the vision of Prof. permission before we invite it was a blessing in disguise a scientist from the foreign tist about his mission there. and then he just hugged me. I Salam to bring experimental that this canter has been He said, nothing certain, he could feel his tears that made Yes, of course, it had been United Nations were a strong Physics in Pakistan at the in- world. If such hurdles are one of the priorities of Dr. join the Quaid-e-Azam made in the West where the removed, the scientific com- would just see what he could me also very emotional. His proof of his mission for sci- University, Islamabad? ternational level and I think people from the developing do there. On these remarks, last words were, the Science of Abdus Salam to popularize ence popularization especial- I have tried to come up to his munity of Pakistan is so com- science in general public not I was enjoying my life work- countries come and interact mitted that it can make a fast Dr. Abdus Salam got very Pakistan is in your hands; here ly in the Islamic world. The expectations with this very with the scientists from the angry and said had you come he meant the relatively young only in Pakistan but also the Third World Academy of Sci- ing at the Physikalisches In- humble contribution. progress in science. world over. Wherever he visit- stitute, Bonn University in developed countries. This has Dr Salam’s vision for Science Popularisation and its benefits for society IV Jan 29, 1926 — Nov 21, 1996

Continued from page I: Dr. Salam’s science and technology education vision and us COMSATS: A realisation of Salam’s Vision of S&T-led In addition, to strengthen able Development” in the science base of future collaboration with FC generations and the region’s College (a chartered uni- economy, the Foundation versity), European Union, development through South-South Cooperation aims to promote science edu- Pakistan Academy of Sci- cation at school level, using ences and COMSTECH the Inquiry Based Science Ed- (9-11 Oct 2014). ucation (IBSE) approach- La 4. “World Science Day for PROF. DR. ABDUS to the centrality of Science ing agency and manages the S&T Centre, Chinese Acad- the pioneer of high-quality original investment. main a la pate in collaboration Peace and Development SALAM was one of the most and Technology in the de- execution of its programmes emy of Sciences and different Internet access in Pakistan, Due to its international with international players. In 2014 – A Seminar on Qual- outstanding proponents of the velopment process, adequate with the support of its Mem- UN agencies. while in 1998, an IT train- programmes, COMSATS is addition, the mobilizing and ity Science Education: idea that the developmental allocation of resources for re- ber Countries. Apart from Being signatories of the ing centre was launched un- taking a leadership role in the promoting youth engagement Securing a Sustainable Fu- gap between the North and the search and development, and voluntary financial inputs International Agreement der the name of COMSATS South for promoting S&T in in science, technology and ture for All” in collabora- South can be bridged through integration of science and from member countries, its to establish COMSATS, all Institute of Information the developing countries and education for economic de- tion with COMSATS (12 S&T capacity-building in de- Technology (CIIT). The lat- providing them a platform to velopment and peace within Nov 2014). veloping countries. Among his ter is now a well-established cooperate with one another. the ECO region and beyond, 5. International Meeting on various initiatives to achieve public sector degree-award- To further augment its ef- “Developing the Road- this goal, one was to establish ing institute with more than forts of making S&T a vehi- map on Engineering a high-level Commission hav- 35,000 enrolled students, cle for progress, COMSATS Qualification Standardi- ing affiliation of several R&D over 2,800 faculty members, has devised a five-year strat- zation: Preparing Future organizations of the South. 865 of which have Ph.D de- egy, the lynch-pin of which Engineers for Sustaina- The Commission on Sci- grees. The Institute offers 96 is a radically new initiative ble Development” in col- ence and Technology for Sus- degree programmes spread in of conducting COMSATS’ laboration with Pakistan tainable Development in the eight campuses across Paki- sponsored thematic research Engineering Council, South (COMSATS) was es- stan. The Institute’s quality in areas directly relevant to UNESCO, ISTIC Ma- tablished in 1994, as a realiza- of education can be judged socio-economic progress. The laysia and FEIAP (9-10 tion Salam’s grand plan to en- by its HEC ranking, accord- four International Thematic January 2015). able developing countries to ing to which CIIT is placed Research Groups (ITRGs) are 6. A workshop on “Ap- come together and deliberate at number 3 among 132 uni- currently operational and un- plications of Agro-Bio- on ways to incorporate S&T versities of Pakistan in terms dertaking research in areas of: technology” to be held in their national developmen- of ‘Research Productivity’; ‘Information and Communi- from 17-19 March 2015 tal agendas. The Commission whereas it has been ranked as cation Technologies (ICTs)’; in Karachi, in collabora- is an apex body comprising top most in the field of Com- ‘Natural Products Sciences’; tion with ICCBS – Kara- of Heads of State/Govern- puter Science & IT. The uni- ‘Climate Change and Envi- chi. ment of twenty-one develop- versity also offers post-gradu- ronmental Protection’; and 7. Capacity Building ing countries as its Members. ate scholarships to students ‘Mathematical Modeling’. Workshop on “Inquiry Republic of Turkey is slated from COMSATS’ Member Recently, COMSATS has Based Science Education to become the 22nd Mem- States. COMSATS Internet further broadened the out- (IBSE)” to be held in As- ber State of COMSATS after Services (CIS) is operating reach and scope of its activi- tana, Kazakhstan in June having signed the Accession technology in the national major contribution comes member countries have been successfully as a not-for-profit ties in view of the importance is and remains the priority of 2015. Agreement to join the organi- and regional development from the Government of contributing to, and taking company and offering serv- of national level policies that ECOSF. Integrating gender zation. The organization also plans. Pakistan, which generously tangible benefits from, the ices on highly competitive effect S&T sector. These in- International Collabora- perspective in policies, plans tions/Cooperation has a Network of 19 affiliated The organization that provides adequate funding to organization, especially the prices, although a multitude clude, on-demand lectures and actions directed towards Centres of Excellence in de- marked its 20th anniversary cover the operating expendi- host country, Pakistan. Since of Internet service providers from world renowned profes- the improvement of life and 1. UNESCO veloping countries, commit- in October 2014 has been us- ture of COMSATS Secre- its establishment, COMSATS have entered the field with sors, consultancy for Nation- development of youth is also 2. Ev-K2-CNR Foundation ted to meeting developmental ing a variety of conventional tariat based in Islamabad. In has been identifying and em- corporate investment. al Science, Technology and being pursued. of Italy (MoU signed) challenges through South- and innovative mechanisms spite of its financial limita- ploying ways and means to COMSATS also launched Innovation policy-making, ECOSF since its establish- 3. International Science, South cooperation. The to achieve its objectives. Ca- tions, the organization has bring the benefits of science other pioneering projects, and COMSATS’ Science Di- ment, has undertaken nu- Technology and Innova- heads of these Centres consti- pacity-building at the level of instituted a number of mech- to the common people in Pa- which were later patronized plomacy Programme. merous scientific activities, tion Centre under the tute COMSATS’ Coordinat- individuals and institutions anisms to meet the funding kistan. It was realized during and up-scaled by other stake- Employing various conven- cooperation and collabora- auspices of UNESCO (IS- ing Council. The political pa- has been conducted through requirements for its various mid 90’s that Information holders, such as pilot-project tional and unconventional tion with other national and TIC), Kuala Lumpur- Ma- tronage of the Member States seminars, symposia, work- initiatives, one of which is and Communication Tech- of bio-gas production and mechanisms, COMSATS re- international organizations, laysia (MoU signed). towards the Network comes shops, training programmes, the policy of organizing in- nology is going to dominate the tele-health programme. mains committed to its mis- some major activities are 4. Accredited Observer from COMSATS’ Consulta- pilot-projects and sponsor- ternational capacity-building the world in future, affecting The COMSATS’ project on sion, which is to help realize mentioned below: Member/Stakeholder of tive Committee comprising ship of scientific activities. programmes in partnership all segments of society with the provision of medical con- Salam’s vision of progress 1. ECO Experts Meeting on the Intergovernmental senior officials from relevant Over 210 national and in- with other international or- respect to information dis- sultation to remote areas of through judicious use of Sci- Climate Change and Bio- Platform on Biodiversity ministries in these countries. ternational events have been ganizations. The size and semination and interactivity Pakistan through tele-health ence and Technology in devel- diversity (29-30 Nov 2013). and Ecosystem Services Thus, the organizational organized in specific areas of scope of these activities var- among scientists as well as facility is being expanded oping countries. The organi- 2. Seminar on “Science (IPBES) structure of COMSATS pro- science and technology that ies from national and re- common people. Two institu- under a grant approved by zation is a living testimony Communication and Jour- 5. La main a la pate Founda- vides for political patronage, have a direct relevance to gional to international levels. tions were, therefore, set up by the Planning Commission of how developing countries nalism” in collaboration tion – France bureaucratic support and sci- the socio-economic develop- COMSATS has working rela- COMSATS to get the coun- of Pakistan. The remarkable can establish and sustain self- with COMSATS (6 April 6. European Union (EU) entist-to-scientist interactivity. ment of the Member States. tions with organizations, such try ready for this unfolding success of these projects is a supporting international or- 2014). Prof. Dr. Manzoor Hussain One of the key objectives Despite its engagement in as AS-ICTP, TWAS, South information revolution. The testimony of how investment ganizations, working for their 3. International Conference Soomro is the President of ECO of COMSATS is to sensitize a number of such activities, Centre, UNESCO, ISESCO, COMSATS Internet Services in a scientific organization collective benefit according to on “Emerging Trends in Science Foundation (www. the countries of the South COMSATS is not a fund- COMSTECH, INIT, NAM (CIS), started in 1996, was pays back several-times of the their own preferences. Life Sciences for Sustain- eco4science.org)