The government has announced plans to set up the National Centre for Advanced Materials (NCAM) at Quaid-i-Azam University, named in honor of late Pakistan's renowned nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.
According to officials, the new research centre will focus on aerospace, energy, defense, and other strategic industries, aiming to strengthen Pakistan's scientific and industrial capabilities.
The announcement was made by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Monday during the inaugural ceremony of the 19th International Symposium on Advanced Materials (ISAM-2025), held at the National Centre for Physics (NCP) in Islamabad. The five-day symposium is organised under the banner of the Pakistan Advanced Materials Forum (PAMF).
Ahsan Iqbal praised Dr Khan for his lifelong contributions to making Pakistan self-reliant in critical scientific fields. He said, "Dr Qadeer Khan's vision continues to inspire generations of scientists and engineers who are shaping the future of our nation."
The minister emphasized that science and technology are no longer optional for developing countries like Pakistan. "They are a strategic necessity," he stated. He highlighted that ISAM has, for over 30 years, served as a vital platform connecting international experts, promoting cutting-edge research, and fostering lasting global partnerships.
Highlighting the critical role of materials science, Ahsan Iqbal said the field lies at the core of modern innovation, driving advancements in clean energy, healthcare, sustainability, and defence technologies. He noted that the convergence of physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI) is enabling the creation of next-generation materials that are stronger, lighter, and more sustainable.
Speaking at the ceremony, PAMF President Dr Rizwan Baig said materials science is the foundation of every major innovation -- from clean energy and quantum computing to advanced healthcare and mobility.
He highlighted that since its inception in 1989, the ISAM symposium has been held biennially without interruption, reflecting the unwavering dedication of Pakistan's scientific community. "Materials science spans an extraordinary range of applications -- from microchips to megastructures, polymers to smart textiles, and superconductors to bio-compatible implants," Dr Baig explained.
He further stressed that such innovation requires interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, chemists, physicists, and computer scientists.
Dr Baig also underlined the growing use of Artificial Intelligence in materials research. "AI allows us to process massive datasets, predict material properties, and discover new compounds at unprecedented speed," he said. "This synergy between AI and materials science is unlocking breakthroughs across aerospace, energy, and biomedical industries."
ISAM-2025 has drawn over 20 international speakers from Russia, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Turkey, and Norway, featuring more than 60 oral and 40 poster presentations over five days. The event will explore AI-driven materials research, additive manufacturing, and advanced characterisation techniques.
Alongside the symposium, PAMF and the Institute of Space Technology (IST) are hosting a Technology Exhibition titled RISE 2025. The exhibition showcases cutting-edge innovations and connects researchers with industry leaders and investors to promote commercialization and industrial partnerships.
With the establishment of the National Centre for Advanced Materials, Pakistan aims to position itself at the forefront of scientific innovation, strengthening its industrial base and paying tribute to the pioneering vision of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.