Thread by @imranahsanmirza

Salam was the founder of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, established in 1964 in Trieste, Italy. @ICTP was named after him at his death in 1996. 25/

For over half a century ICTP has been a driving force behind global efforts to advance scientific expertise in the developing world. 26/

Salam originally wished he could establish it in Pakistan but was unable to persuade the powers to be due to religious opposition by many elements in the government. 27/

The Centre has enabled over 100,000 students since its inception to learn, contribute and return well equipped with the highest levels of scientific knowledge back to their countries. 28/

Salam convinced President Ayub in establishing Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) in 1961. He himself became Chairman and remained in this position until 1964. Within a short period, 29/

the program successfully launched a metrological rocket in space on 7 June 1962 fired from Somiani Beach. Considering China only launched its first rocket in the early 70s. Pakistan was far ahead of many nations in its science programs due to the sheer ambitions of Salam. 29/

Salam was very much against the government bureaucracy to control the scientific commissions and institutions. He convinced President Ayub and later Prime Minister Bhutto to give such leadership positions to only pre-eminent scientists. 30/

This policy has continued to this day and provided an opportunity for scientists to operate in a free atmosphere without the usual disruptive interventions by the bureaucracy. 31/

Salam saw an interesting period of human competitiveness, discovery, challenges, and cold war rivalry between major powers. Yet, he had exceptional relationships on both sides of the iron curtain. 32/

He was awarded the highest awards, and honorary doctorates by institutions in the Soviet Union, and the US. He was awarded 33 honorary doctorates by universities around the world. 33/

Though he is famous for his Nobel Prize in Physics. However, he won Smith’s Prize in 1950, Sitara-e-Pakistan 1959, Hughes Medal 1964, ‘Atoms for Peace Medal and Award’ 1968, Royal medal 1978, Mattheucci medal 1978, Nishan-e-Imtiaz Pakistan 1979, Peace Medal Prague 1981, 34/

Lomonosov Gold medal 1983, Premio Umberto Biancomano Italy 1986, Dayemi International Peace Award Bangladesh 1986, First Edinburgh Medal and Prize 1988, “Genoa” International Development of Peoples Prize 1988, Catalunya International Prize Spain 1990, and Copely medal 1990. 35/

Avicenna (Ibne Sina) was a Persian polymath of the 11th-century who is regarded as one of the most significant physicians, astronomers, thinkers, and writers of the Islamic Golden Age. Salam once quoted him after being declared non-Muslim by the state in 1974:

کفرے چومن گزاف آساں نبود
بحکم تراز ایمان من ایمان نبود
در دہر چومن یکے و آنہم کافر
پس درہمہ دہر یک مسلماں نبود

translation “It is not a casual matter if you declare me a heretic (Kafir). Because no one else has such a strong conviction and belief as I do (in Islam). ...

...When you declare me a nonbeliever, who in fact is a very unique Muslim (who found the truth through seeking knowledge), then who else remains a Muslim in the world.” Pakistan will always be indebted to Salam’s contributions.

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*Correct handle is @ictpnews
- Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP).