Four Pakistani teenagers have made the nation proud by winning bronze medals at one of the world’s most prestigious programming contests—the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) 2025—held in Bolivia from July 27 to August 3.

Competing against top young coders from 86 countries, the Pakistani team—Muhammad Aneeq, Ghulam Junaid, Muhammad Saram, and Ahmed Imran Malik—each secured a bronze medal. This collective achievement placed Pakistan at 32nd in the global rankings, ahead of tech-heavyweights like Germany, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

A Leap Forward for Pakistan’s Programming Scene

The performance marks a notable improvement from last year, when the country took home two bronze medals and ranked 46th overall. This year’s results signal a positive trajectory for Pakistan’s youth in STEM fields, particularly in computer science and algorithmic problem-solving.

The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), which oversaw the national selection and preparation process, emphasized that the team’s success reflects the strength of a fair and merit-based system designed to tap into Pakistan’s best young minds.

From 528 Aspirants to Four World-Class Programmers

The journey to the IOI podium began months ago. In collaboration with the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, FBISE launched a nationwide selection campaign. Notifications went out to all educational boards, including Cambridge-affiliated schools, through the Inter Boards Coordination Committee (IBCC).

Out of 528 students who registered across Pakistan, the top performers were shortlisted through two rounds of rigorous testing, conducted at 12 centers countrywide. From there, 25 students advanced to the second round, culminating in the final selection of the top four who ultimately represented Pakistan on the international stage.

A Collective Effort Behind the Success

In a statement, FBISE congratulated not only the medal-winning students but also their families, teachers, and institutions that supported them. The board credited the achievement to a system that values transparency and merit, and highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s youth to excel in global tech arenas when given the right support.

As global demand for coding and computational thinking continues to rise, the success of these students serves as a reminder of the untapped talent that exists within Pakistan—and the importance of nurturing it through education, mentorship, and opportunity.