ISLAMABAD, Oct 6: Speakers at a function paid glowing tributes to Dr Abdus Salam and asked the young scientists to emulate the scientific achievements of the only Pakistani Nobel Laureate.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the lecture series on 'Nobel Prizes in Physics' Dr Masud Ahmad, member (Physical Sciences), Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) eulogized the contribution of Dr Salam to the promotion of science and technology, especially in the Third World countries, which, according to him, is a source of inspiration for young scientists.

The function was organized under the auspices of The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ASICTP), Pakistan chapter, on the eve of the Centre's 40th anniversary here on Wednesday.

The Centre was founded by Dr Abdus Salam at Trieste in Italy after whose death it has now been named as Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics. Dr Ahmad paid tributes to Dr Salam for establishing institutions, especially for the benefit of underdeveloped countries.

He said, "Dr Salam's genius was like magic and there was always an element of eastern mysticism in his ideas that left one wondering how to fathom his genius". He was a great scientist, a humanist, an internationalist and a committed nationalist. He always went out of his way to help Pakistanis, Dr Ahmad said.

"His craving for nationalism is symbolized best by his wish to be buried in his own homeland. He loved his country and its soil. We have to project him as a hero and role model for our young scientists", Dr Ahmad stressed.

The civilizations that cannot glorify their men of learning are destined to oblivion, Dr Ahmed remarked. Some of the most famous institutions that were started from the platform of International Centre for Theoretical Physics on the initiative of Dr Salam are International Centre for Science and Technology (ICS), the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) of which he was the president from 1983-1994.

The ASICTP is, therefore, not only an institute but also a movement which hopefully will culminate in the resurgence of science in the South, Dr Ahmad said. He emphasized the need for enhancing quantum of scientific activities in the country by identifying important but neglected areas where there has been no research activity at present.

He promised full support of the PAEC to the scientific pursuits of Pakistani chapter of the Salam Centre. On the occasion, Prof (Dr) Zafar Iqbal delivered a lecture on semiconductor hetro structure paradigm.

Earlier, Dr Imtinan Elahi Qureshi, President (ASICTP- Pakistani chapter) explained the aims and objectives of the Centre and scientific activities undertaken by it.

PAEC-ASICTP ACCORD: Meanwhile the PAEC and Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ASICTP), Trieste, Italy, have entered into an agreement for enhanced cooperation in the field of science and technology.