Abdus Salam, Pakistan’s first Nobel laureate, was a man of science who took pride in his Muslim identity. However, his own country did not recognize him as a Muslim due to his Ahmadiyya faith. This article explores the tragic consequences of prioritizing religion over science in Pakistan, as recounted by Salam’s son, Ahmad.
Salam’s journey from Jhang to Cambridge was shaped by his father’s unwavering belief in his potential. Ahmad describes his father’s influence, emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence, even in the face of challenges. Salam’s early life was marked by a series of fortunate events, including a scholarship meant for the sons of poor peasants, which he secured with the help of his uncle.
The birth of Pakistan brought with it a sense of excitement for Salam, but also an intellectual isolation. He found himself in a country with no established educational infrastructure or intellectual heritage. This lack of intellectual stimulation deeply affected him, leading to a feeling of isolation and a yearning for intellectual exchange.
Salam’s Nobel Prize win in 1979 was a historic achievement, not only for Pakistan but for the Muslim world. However, his own country did not fully embrace his triumph. The Ahmadiyya community was marginalized, and Salam was effectively treated as a second-class citizen. It was India, under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, that recognized Salam’s brilliance and invited him to celebrate his victory. The Pakistan government was then compelled to acknowledge his Nobel win, forcing a reluctant celebration of the scientist.
Despite the disrespect he faced, Salam remained loyal to his homeland. He refused citizenship offers from India, Italy, and Britain, believing that only a small minority of individuals, primarily politicians and religious figures, were responsible for the prejudice against him. He viewed himself as a representative of the majority of Pakistanis who appreciated his work and held him in high regard.
Salam’s contributions to Pakistan extended beyond his Nobel Prize. As Chief Scientific Advisor, he played a crucial role in developing nuclear power and agrarian science. Even after facing persecution, he continued to offer advice to Pakistani leaders, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Zia ul-Haq, privately recognizing their need for his expertise while publicly acknowledging their hypocrisy.
Ahmad describes growing up with his father, a Nobel laureate, as a life of constant pressure to excel. His father’s expectations were rooted in his own upbringing, where success was paramount. The Nobel Prize, while a significant event, did not significantly alter their family dynamic.
Salam’s legacy goes beyond his scientific achievements. He founded the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Italy, providing opportunities for brilliant students from developing countries to pursue their research and advance scientific knowledge. Ahmad emphasizes the importance of this endeavor, highlighting the sacrifice it demanded from Salam and his family.
The article concludes with a somber reflection on the state of science in Pakistan, where discrimination against intellectuals based on faith continues to be a prevalent issue. Ahmad questions the future of education in the country, highlighting the challenges posed by a lack of focus on excellence and a system that perpetuates ignorance and prejudice. He expresses his belief that the situation for the Ahmadiyya community and other minorities will not improve until leaders prioritize justice, integrity, and respect for human rights.
While recognizing the challenges, Ahmad remains optimistic about Salam’s legacy. He highlights initiatives like the naming of a library after Salam at Imperial College London and the upcoming 60th-anniversary celebration of ICTP, attended by numerous Nobel laureates, as testaments to his enduring influence.
Despite the injustices he faced, Salam’s story remains a powerful reminder of the potential of science to transcend boundaries and inspire future generations. The article ends with Ahmad’s personal reflection on his lack of a sense of belonging in Pakistan, a consequence of both the mistreatment of his father and the ongoing persecution of his community. His words serve as a poignant reminder of the need for tolerance, respect, and the pursuit of knowledge in a world often marred by prejudice and intolerance.
