The Promising Years of Pakistan
By Saman Rashid
Pakistan has taken a place on the world stage, in sports, science and humanitarian efforts. In many of the sporting areas, Pakistan has held a dominant position for many years in a row.
Hockey
Pakistan has been a powerhouse in field hockey. The Pakistan National Field Hockey team, also known as the men in green, inspired a feeling of respect and maybe a bit of envy in their opponents. They dominated the world stage for years, bringing home over 20 trophies. The Pakistan team possesses a remarkable record:
o World Cup Championships- Four championship trophies were won between 1971 and 1994.
o Olympics - The team won eight medals, including three gold medals (1960, 1968 and 1984).
o Six Nations Champions trophy- The team won the trophy three times.
o Asian Games- Pakistan won seven games between 1958 and 1990
Cricket
Recently, the popularity of cricket In Pakistan has increased greatly, especially after the World Cup victory in 1992. The sport is drawing new talent and new sponsors supporting the Pakistan National Cricket team. The National Cricket Team also has reached some impressive totals:
o Highest wickets - 502 (ODI)
o Highest score - 194 (ODI)
o Most runs in a year - 1788 (Test)
o Fastest century - 37 balls
o Most centuries in a year- 9
Squash
Pakistan also has a history of dominating squash, with 17 wins at the World Open and 12 wins at the British open - the highest of any team, and the Pakistan open 19 times . For five years, Jahangir Khan, considered by many to be the best squash player of all time, won 555 consecutive games.
Snooker
Pakistan has also won the 1994 world amateur championship, the 2006 IBSF World Masters Champion, and the Asian Games Gold medal.
Boxing
The Pakistan Amateur Boxing Federation has also achieved success with an Olympics silver medal in 1988, SAF games gold medal in 1985, and an Asian games gold medal 1990.
Sailing
Pakistan also may look with pride towards their successful sailing teams. The Pakistan sailing team won the silver World medal and the gold medal at the Asian games in 1978. Pakistan then went on to dominate the sport for the next 14 years with wins in 1986, 1990 and 1992. The 1978 win also lead to the government formally granting official status to the PSAF.
Humanitarian Awards
Pakistan's sports, while important to many people, should not overshadow the important contributions to humanity made by agencies and scientists based in the country.
Nobel Prize
Dr. Abdus Salam who won the Nobel Prize for physics, was the first Pakistani Nobel Laureate, and was the first Muslim Nobel Laureate in science. In the 1960's, Salam helped establish the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
Atomic Power
In 1998, Pakistan became an official member of the Nuclear age, with a successful test of an atomic weapon.
Edhi Foundation
The Edhi Foundation, a non-profit social welfare program based in Pakistan, provides emergency assistance in Pakistan and abroad. The foundation provides free medical care, drug rehabilitation treatment and shelters for the destitute. The Foundation has also provided aid through national and international relief projects. The Foundation has received recognition through the following awards:
o Ramon Magsaysay Award for public service from Philippines , 1986.
o Paul Harris Fellow "from Rotary International Foundation" 1993.
o Peace Prize from the USSR (former) for services in the Armenian earth-quake disaster in 1988.
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