Photo by Molendijk, Bart via Wikimedia Commons
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has approved the renaming of Quaid-e-Azam University’s Physics Department as Professor Abdus Salam Center for Physics, taking a step toward recognition of the long-forgotten scientist.
“The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has been directed to draw up a formal summary of the renaming of QAU’s National Center for Physics for President Mamnoon Hussain’s approval,” an announcement by Pakistan,s Ministry of Information said.
Sharif also approved a grant for five annual fellowships for Pakistani PhD students in the field of Physics through the Higher Education Commission in reputable international universities.
The program will be named the Professor Abdus Salam Fellowship.
The moves were made in order to recognize the contributions of Dr Abdus Salam, a major figure in 20th century theoretical physics, the PID said.
Salam shared the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to the field.
He was the first Pakistani to receive a Nobel Prize in science.
Pakistani scientists have welcomed the move as a step toward appreciation of the contribution religious minorities have made toward nation building process.
