By: News Desk 92Pavilion | Updated: July 2026
Pakistan wins silver at the International Biology Olympiad 2026. Hassan Atif Cheema, a student from Lahore, took home the medal. The event was held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from July 12 to 19. A second Pakistani student, Muhammad Mutahir, earned a merit certificate.
A Proud Moment for Pakistan
Hassan Atif Cheema studies at International School Lahore, Legacy Campus. He competed against more than 350 students from over 90 countries. His silver medal places him among the best young biologists in the world.
Muhammad Mutahir, from Karachi Grammar School, also represented Pakistan. He received a merit certificate for his performance at the same event.
How the Students Got There
Both students were chosen through Pakistan’s 22nd National Science Talent Contest. This contest runs under the STEM Careers Programme. It’s a joint effort between the Higher Education Commission and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Before the Olympiad, the students trained hard. They attended a residential program at the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. Local and international experts led their preparation. Prof. Dr. Asma Imran and Dr. Aamir Ali guided the team throughout.
What the Biology Olympiad Involves
The International Biology Olympiad is one of the toughest science competitions for high school students. It tests deep knowledge of biology through both theory and hands-on lab work.
This year, Taiwan led the medal table with four gold medals. India also won gold. Pakistan’s single silver still stood out as a strong result, especially given the competition’s scale.
A Growing Track Record
This win adds to a long list of Pakistani achievements in science Olympiads. The country has competed in the Physics Olympiad since 2001. It joined the Mathematics Olympiad in 2005, and Biology and Chemistry Olympiads in 2006.
Since the STEM Careers Programme began, more than 365 Pakistani students have represented the country internationally. Together, they’ve won 144 medals. Over 5,000 students have also passed through more than 256 training camps under the same programme.
Why This Matters
Wins like this do more than earn medals. They show that young Pakistani talent can compete at the highest level. They also highlight the value of structured science training programs at home.
For students dreaming of a future in science, Hassan’s success offers real proof that hard work and the right guidance can open doors on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who won the silver medal for Pakistan?
A: Hassan Atif Cheema, a student from International School Lahore, Legacy Campus, won the silver medal.
Q: Where was the 2026 Biology Olympiad held?
A: The event took place in Vilnius, Lithuania, from July 12 to 19, 2026.
Q: Did any other Pakistani student win an award?
A: Yes. Muhammad Mutahir of Karachi Grammar School received a merit certificate.
Q: How were the students selected?
A: They were chosen through the 22nd National Science Talent Contest under the STEM Careers Programme.
This report is based on statements from the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and reporting from ProPakistani, The News, and Dunya News.
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