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Dr. Samar Mubarakmand (Urdu: ; b. 17 September 1942; NI, HI, SI, FPAS) is a Pakistani nuclear physicist known for his research in gamma spectroscopy and experimental development of the linear accelerator.

His career is noted as being Pakistan's premium diagnostics scientist on nuclear weapons and eventually led as a test director for nuclear weapons testing in Ras Koh Range in Balochistan in Pakistan in 1998.

Prior to that, he was the lead scientist on Pakistani military's Hatf Program, which he oversaw the development of Shaheen and the Babur programs, as Chairman of the National Engineering and Scientific Commission (Nescom) from 2001 until 2007. His career in the government continued when he was appointed as a science adviser in the federal Government of Pakistan to assist the Thar coalfield project. He is heading the Mineral Exploration work in district Chiniot as Chairman, Board of Directors Punjab Mineral Company, (Mines & Minerals Department) Government of Punjab.

Early Life and Education
Samar Mubarakmand was born in Rawalpindi on 17 September 1942 to a Punjabi family from Hoshiarpur, East Punjab. He gained his education in Lahore and matriculated from St. Anthony's High School in 1956. After passing the university entrance exams, he enrolled at Government College University (GCU) where he studied physics under Tahir Hussain. In 1960, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in physics with a concentration in experimental physics and a minor in mathematics. During his college years, Mubarakmand was an avid swimmer and represented GCU at the National Games of Pakistan.

He conducted research in experimental physics under Hussain and built an experimental apparatus for his master's thesis. His thesis contained detailed work on gamma ray spectrometry and performed an experiment that was witnessed by nuclear physicist Denys Wilkinson as part of his master's program. Wilkinson spoke highly of his work and invited Mubarakmand to visit Oxford University in the United Kingdom to resume studies in experimental physics.

In 1962, Mubarakmand gained a Master of Science (MSc) in physics after publishing his thesis, "Construction of a gamma-ray spectrometer," under Hussain.In 1962, he joined the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and gained a scholarship to study at Oxford University. Recommended by Wilkinson, he was admitted there and joined the group led by Wilkinson. At Oxford Mubarakmand participated in preparing a 22 million volt particle accelerator and was part of the team that commissioned it.

During his time at Oxford, Mubarakmand learned about linear accelerators, and after returning to Pakistan he built one. Apart from studying, Mubarakamand played cricket and fast bowled for the Oxford University Cricket Club. In 1966, Mubarakmand completed his doctoral thesis under Wilkinson and was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Experimental Nuclear Physics.

On his return to Pakistan, he joined the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. From the experience he gained in the use of high energy accelerators, he converted a neutron generator available with PAEC, to study nuclear structure and fast neutron scattering.

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)
In the period 1966 to 1974, he advanced his research in fast neutron induced reactions and creation of experimental techniques for accurate neutron spectroscopy. This effort resulted in several publications in the Journals “Nuclear Physics” and “Nuclear Instrumentation and Methods” North Holland publications.

From 1974 to 1977, he was posted as Director at Center for Advanced Studies in Physics (CASP) at Government College University Lahore on temporary attachment. During his tenure as Director, he developed deep interest in the applications of Solid-State Track Detectors. He presented his work at an International Conference held at the Max Planck Institute, Munich, in 1976.

During the three-year period from 1977 to 1980, Dr. Mubarakmand had the opportunity of working on applications of different  lasers and separation of isotopes of sulfur in sulfur hexafluoride. Dr. Mubarakmand pioneered an expertise in  transmission of Fast Signals through Optical Fibers avoiding external interference from electromagnetic radiations on data transmission. This later led to the adoption of wide applications of Fiber Optic technology in communications throughout the country.

1971 War and Atomic Bomb Project
In the decade of the 80’s, when PAEC was busy in developing several designs of nuclear devices, it was felt that these designs would have to be ratified through  Cold Tests. Samar Mubarakmand, an experimental physicist was known for his expertise in the field of Fast Neutron spectrometry.

During his research in nuclear structure for his D.Phil. at Oxford, Mubarakmand developed and refined the technique for spectroscopy of fast neutrons released during the nuclear reactions under his study. This technique has direct applications in carrying out the cold tests of nuclear devices.

Dr. Mubarakmand, therefore, was Munir Khan, Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission’s first choice, to appoint him as head of the Diagnostic Group.

Several designs of nuclear devices were developed and high confidence in their performance assured through Cold Testing. Each of these tests involved detection and measurement of  Fast Neutrons emitted in short sharp sub micro second bursts. Dr. Mubarakmand’s experience of earlier years of Fast Neutron Physics was now counting. All the available nuclear devices designed and developed were consequently  Cold Tested and qualified. The Diagnostic Group also accomplished the important task of designing and manufacturing a neutron trigger source based on fusion reactions. This neutron source would Trigger a nuclear device in a Hot Test.

From 1991 to 1994, Dr. Mubarakmand was given a higher responsibility to lead the  Directorate of Technical Development (DTD). He supervised and modernized the method of working at his new assignment and within the short period of three years more efficient, powerful and compact nuclear devices were produced to meet the varied requirements of Pakistan’s Fighter Aircrafts as well as the upcoming delivery systems of different types. All the designs were ratified through Cold Testing by his previous diagnostic team.

After three years as Director DTD, Dr. Samar Mubarakmand was promoted as Director General DTD in 1994. In 1995, he was given the greater responsibility of Member (Technical) PEAC which he held till the year 2000. During the five year tenure, Dr. Mubarakmand, apart from looking after the classified side of the Technical Program of PAEC, also became responsible for the optimal functioning of the centers of Nuclear Medicine, Agriculture, PINSTECH and New Labs. At the last mentioned facility, Dr. Mubarakmand and an outstanding team of PAEC’s Scientists and Engineers were able to establish and commission Pakistan’s first reprocessing Plant for burnt reactor fuel. Thus, an important milestone of producing Metallic plutonium was achieved in the year 2000.

Several areas were visited and studied with the help of Senior Geologists of the PAEC and finally the Chairman PAEC, Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad selected the Chaghai Site for conducting Pakistan’s Hot Tests at an appropriate time. Dr. Mubarakmand supervised the installation of Diagnostic Equipment and other facilities at the Site relevant to the safe conduction of the Nuclear Tests.

Pakistan’s Atomic Tests -- the Need:
India conducted its first Atomic Test Pokhran-I on 18th May 1974. The single test was claimed to have given a yield of 12 KT (TNT equivalent). Pakistan at that time had no active Nuclear Weapons program. The fall of East Pakistan in December 1971 and subsequently India becoming a nuclear weapon state in May 1974 prompted a serious effort in Pakistan to go for nuclear weapons program.

In the twenty years since 1974, Pakistan was pursuing its nuclear program at a steady pace. Test tunnels at Chagai and Kharan had been completed and instrumentation installed for yield measurement. Several devices of different sizes and yields had been designed, manufactured and cold tested. Rigorous safety and environmental testing had resulted in reliable devices. Pakistan restrained itself from “Hot Tests” simply because it did not want to disturb the nuclear peace of the Sub-continent. With the Pokhran-II series of Indian tests, there was now an opportunity and moral justification for Pakistan to go for its own qualification of all weapon designs in actual Hot Tests at Chagai.

Pakistan’s Atomic Tests – May 28th & 30th 1998
On May 19, 1998, under the leadership of Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, two teams comprising 140 PAEC scientists, engineers, and technicians left for Chagai, Baluchistan. They included members of various specialized teams from the DTD, the Diagnostic Group and the Nuclear Metal Labs of PAEC. The nuclear devices were airlifted in semi-assembled form via transport aircraft from PAF base Chaklala, Rawalpindi, to Dalbandin Airfield.

At Ras Koh hills, Mubarakmand personally supervised the assembly of Five different nuclear devices which had to be tested. The diagnostic cables were laid from the zero room at the end of the tunnel to a strong bunker outside. In the event of a nuclear explosion, detectors placed in the zero room and its vicinity would transmit fast data through these cables and enable it to be recorded in the bunker and later analyzed to give the yield and quality of nuclear fission build up.

On May 25, 1998, soldiers of the Pakistan Army’s 12th Corps arrived to seal the tunnel, while the Pakistan Army Engineering Corps, the Frontier Works Organization, and the SDW supervised the work. Mubarakmand himself walked a total of 9 km back and forth in the suffocating hot tunnels to check and recheck the devices and the cables. Finally, the cables were connected to the nuclear devices and the process of sealing the tunnels began. A total of 6,000 cement bags were mixed with appropriate amount of sand and concrete. The resulting mix was used to create strong plugs along the length of the tunnel at suitable points. On the evening of May 26 the tunnels were sealed and plugged.

By the following day the concrete had entirely solidified owing to the extreme heat. It was decided that Pakistan’s first nuclear hot tests would be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on May 28, 1998. A remote-controlled detonation station was established about 15 Km away from the tunnel mouth to initiate the nuclear detonation.

At 2:30 in the afternoon of May 28, an Mi-17 army helicopter arrived at the site, carrying a team of observers and guests including Ahmad, A. Q. Khan, and four other KRL officials, including Fakhar Hashmi, Javed Arshad Mirza, and M. Nasim Khan. A Pakistan Army team headed by Zulfiqar Ali Khan accompanied them. When Dr. A. Q. Khan entered the command vehicle and asked Dr. Mubarakmand, “Which button is to be pushed?” Mubarakmand replied that the man who will have this honor has already been selected. He is the engineer who commissioned the remote control system.

When the all-clear signal was given, Muhammad Arshad, a young Chief Scientific Officer of the DTD, who had designed the detonation mechanism for the test, stepped forward. At exactly 3:16 p.m. he pushed the button. There was no count down, only “Allah-u- Akbar” was said. This activated the computerized control system that closed the safety switches one by one and finally ignited the detonators. Thirty two seconds later the earth in and around Ras Koh Hills trembled and the mountain shook and turned white.

'''“My eyes were set on the mountain in which the test was to be conducted. I experienced a halt in my heartbeat on seeing nothing happening after a lapse of 32 seconds. But all of a sudden it was a big jolt! We had triumphed”! Dr. Mubarakmand'''

“The Nuclear Weapons program which started 24 years back in 1974, had matured through the leadership of Mr. Munir Ahmed Khan initially and then Dr. Ishfaq Ahmed and finally Dr. Samar Mubarakmand and one may now conclude that PAEC as an organization has proven to be the pride of the Pakistani nation”, DTD.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry would later describe the Chagai tests as “Pakistan’s Finest Hour.” Pakistan had become the world’s seventh nuclear power and the first nuclear weapon state in the Muslim world. On Saturday, May 30, 1998, Pakistan conducted its sixth nuclear test at 1:10 p.m. PST in the Kharan Desert. Each year May 28 is celebrated across the country as “Youm-e-Takbeer” (Day of Allah’s greatness).

Pakistan’s Missile Program:
In 1992, National Development Complex (NDC) and Air Weapon Complex (AWC) were created in order to develop a warhead for the Missiles of the Pakistan Army and a nuclear bomb capable of being dropped from the Fighter Aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force. NDC was headed by Dr. Mubarakmand and AWC was headed by Air Marshal Shahid Hamid. All the complexities of a nuclear warhead including its safety aspects, its mode of detonation and complete environmental testing were overcome in NDC while the Aerodynamic body suitable for carrying the nuclear device and for attachment to the wing of a fighter aircraft with its fool proof release was taken care of by AWC.

The complete exercise of converting a nuclear device manufactured by DTD into an operational autonomous warhead capable of being delivered either by aircraft or a missile took a period of five years to finalize and test.

Motivated and fully supported by Pakistan’s Army, NDC launched a rigorous effort to produce Shaheen-I and Shaheen-II series of Solid Fuel Missiles and their transportable launchers. An elaborate technical complex was laid out by Dr. Mubarakmand and his colleagues where these targets could be achieved. Young Scientists, Engineers and Technicians picked up on merit from the local universities formed the core of the team of NDC. In response to an appeal by Dr. Mubarakmand, sent to the Pakistani Aerospace Scientists working abroad, a few very capable and experienced people came back to Pakistan to lead the young manpower. Although it was not possible for NDC to give the senior manpower the emoluments they were earning when they were working in the West, yet these people put to rest Dr. Mubarakmand’s anxiety of appropriately compensating them when they said, “We have not come back to earn money in Pakistan but we have come to pay back our Nation for what we owe it”.

By early 1999, a first  Shaheen-I Ballistic Missile and its transporter launcher were ready for testing. In April, the first successful flight test from the missile range near Karachi was witnessed with great satisfaction by senior officers of Pakistan Army and NDC. It was an encouraging experience for Dr. Mubarakmand and the brilliant team of NDC for making its first contribution to Pakistan’s missile program.

Development work to enhance the range of Shaheen-I and ensure its quality and reliability continued. On 1st January 2001, the Government created the National Engineering & Scientific Commission (NESCOM) in which NDC, AWC, MTC (Maritime Technical Complex) and PMO (Project Management Organization) were brought under one Commission. The object was to improve coordination, share facilities, exchange technology and manpower and prevent duplication of expensive machinery, equipment and infrastructure. Dr. Mubarakmand was selected to be its first Chairman. With the creation of this Commission, the defense needs of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy could now be addressed.

By the fall of 2002, the Shaheen-I weapon system was fully developed and tested and inducted in the Pakistan Army. On 4th October 2002, a Shaheen test was carried out to ascertain its technical parameters and accuracy. In another Shaheen Missile Flight test, on 8th October 2002, the first Cold Test of a Nuclear Warhead was successfully conducted. Satellite pictures of the Mushroom cloud from the Cold Test went around the world. India which had deployed its armed forces along Pakistan’s borders since several months, got the message and in the week following the test they withdrew from the borders.

The period 2002 to 2007, saw the development of Shaheen-I and Shaheen-II ballistic missile systems through different stages of technical excellence. The  first successful flight test of Shaheen-II Ballistic Missile was conducted in March 2004 and hit its target at 1880 Km in the Indian Ocean.

Development of  Babur Cruise Missile was also commenced during the same period. Several tests of its boost phase and flight phase were conducted with the objective of providing Pakistan with a second strike capability. Dr. Mubarakmand retired from NESCOM in October 2007.

Thar Coal Project
The Government of Sindh brought a Project Proposal PC-I to the Planning Commission for the Underground Gasification of Coal at Thar and power generation from coal gas produced. The proposal was duly examined at the Planning Commission by Dr. Mubarakmand & the Scientists and Engineers of his team. Initially, an approval was given by the Planning Commission to study the feasibility of the project.

During the period 2008-2012, a team of very capable mining engineers, geologists, electrical engineers, chemical engineers, mechanical engineers and process experts joined hands to successfully demonstrate the production and purification of Coal gas from the ignition of Thar Lignite Coal at a depth of 175 meters. The success of this initial feasibility phase was witnessed at the UCG site by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Chief Minister of Sindh and Members of the Federal and Provincial Cabinets. The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of the technical team and elaborated the impact of this success on the future of the country. It was decided by the government to now approve a project PC-I for the generation of 100 MW of electrical power through UCG for which funds would be provided to the Government of Sindh from Islamabad.

Power generation began on 28th May 2015 and in the next three years a total of nearly 2400 MW power was produced in addition to more than 210 million cubic feet of purified coal gas. '''Electricity was produced at Rs. 4.87 / KWhr''', as the coal seam was ignited at a depth of 175 meter below the surface, power production was almost free of any air or ground water pollution.

No global warming would take place as carbon dioxide emissions could be compressed and stored in coal cavities below ground (Carbon dioxide sequestration). The Government of Sindh closed this project when the CPEC power project was under taken in Thar.

Reko Diq Copper Gold Project:
Reko Diq Copper Gold Deposit was initially discovered by the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) in 1969-70. The Government of Balochistan signed an agreement for Mineral Exploration with BHP Billiton – an international company of the mining sector, to carry out detailed exploration in the Reko Diq area. The concession then changed hands first to Mancor and finally to the Australian Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) in 2002.

A final feasibility report was submitted in 2011 on only two mines (H-14 & H-15) over an area of 3.5 Sq. Km. out of a total area of 400 Sq. Km, which was taken on Exploration Lease. The feasibility report submitted to the Government of Balochistan (GoB) after 9 years of exploration yielded a mineral resource of 2.219 billion tons of ore containing an average of 0.8% of copper. With a 0.3% cut off and after 55 years of mining and processing, the resource from these two mines would yield 11.76 million tons of copper and 21.8 million ounces of Gold valued at US $ 144.3 billion at the current LME rates.

The mining proposal submitted to the Government of Balochistan by TCC suggested that the ore concentrate would be transported through a pipeline to Gwadar where from tankers would ship it to a third country to extract pure copper, gold and other minerals from it. The products would be sold and 2% Royalty would accrue to GoB on the gross sales. The profits were estimated at 12.3%. GoB could get a share of the profit only if it could make a proportional investment in the Capital cost of the venture which was expected to be US $ 3.299 billion.

The Chief Minister of Balochistan came to the Planning Commission and put forth his serious reservations on the Mining proposal. At a meeting held with TCC, GoB and with the Deputy Chairman and Dr. Mubarakmand, Member of the Planning Commission, an attempt was made to resolve the issue. The CM GoB was unwilling to give away such a valuable asset as Reko Diq at only 2% royalty. '''He said, “My government has a mandate for only five years. How could I sell the future of my next five generations so cheaply to TCC'''.”

Iron Ore Discovery at Chiniot:
During the period 2014 to date, surface studies of a vast area in central and upper Punjab revealed several concentrations of metallic deposits at different locations. Detailed and systematic exploratory drilling spread over two phases in which 26,800 samples were obtained from 73,000 meters of drilling in 87 bore holes. Chemical analysis of the samples conducted in International Laboratories revealed an asset of 267 million ton of High-Grade Iron Ore (Hematite and Magnetite). Initial Feasibility Studies indicate that high grade steel production can be obtained from the Chiniot deposit in a 1.2 million ton steel mill for a period of 55 years. This work has been done by the Punjab Mineral Company under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mubarakmand. It will bring a significant impact on the economy of the Country in addition to creating new jobs for the people.

State Honours:
Dr. Mubarakmand has been conferred with state honors for his services to the country by the Government of Pakistan. He is the recipient of the: Sitara-e-Imtiaz (1992); Hilal-e-Imtiaz (1998); and the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (2003), which is the highest civil honor of Pakistan.

In addition, he is a Fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS).


 * Nishan-e-Imtiaz (2003)
 * Hilal-e-Imtiaz (1998)
 * Sitara-e-Imtiaz (1992)
 * PAS Nazir Ahmad Award (2005)
 * International Scientist of the Year (2007)
 * Life Member, Pakistan Nuclear Society
 * Roll of Honour GCU (1962)
 * Fellow, Pakistan Mathematical Society (2003)

Research Publications:

 * Parities of States in 15o and 33Cl - S. Mubarakmand and B.E.F. Macefield – Nuclear Physics A98 (1967) 82-96


 * The Reaction 22Ne(d,n) 23NA and 28Si(d,n,)29P - S. Mubarakmand and B.E.F. Macefield - Nuclear Physics A98 (1967) 97-112


 * A Fast Neutron Time-of-Flight Spectrometer - S. Mubarakmand, N.A. Khan and P.K. Maher - Nuclear Instruments and Methods 86 (1970) 149-155


 * Neutron Detection Efficiency of an Organic Scintillator - S. Mubarakmand and M. Anwar Nuclear Instruments and Methods 93 (1971) 515-518


 * Aspects of α-Emission from the Bombardment of 58Ni with 14.7 MeV Neutrons - N.A Khan, S. Mubarakmand and Mahmud Ahmad - Nuclear Physics A202 (1973) 123-126


 * Cross-Section Measurements with a Neutron Generator - S. Mubarakmand, M. Ahmad, M. Anwar and M.S. Chaudhry - Nuclear Instruments and Methods 115 (1974) 345-347


 * Absolute Determination of Uranium Concentration in Rocks by Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy S. Mubarakmand, Parvez Chaudhary and F.I. Nagi - Nuclear Instruments and Methods 140 (1977) 133.135


 * Application of Glass Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors in the Measurement of the Charged Particle Fission Cross-Section of Uranium -S. Mubarakmand, Khalid Rashid, Parvez Chaudhary and Hameed A. Khan - Nuclear Instruments and Methods 147 (1977) 279-281


 * Some Characteristic Differences Between the Etch Pits due to Radon and Thoron Alpha Particles in CA80-115 and LR-115 Cellulose Nitrate Track Detectors S. Mubarakmand Int. Journal of Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 1977, Vol. 28, pp 727-731


 * Some characteristic differences between the etch pits due to 86Rn and 232Th α particles in CA80–15 and LR–115 cellulose nitrate track detectors, by Hameed Ahmad Khan, M. Afzal, P. Chaudhary, Samar Mubarakmand, F. I. Nagi and A. Waheed, journal of Isotopic Radiation, PINSTECH (1977).


 * Application of glass solid state nuclear track detectors in the measurement of the + particle fission cross–section of uranium, by Samar Mubarakmand, K. Rashid, P. Chaudhry and Hameed Ahmad Khan, Methods of Nuclear Instrumentation. (1977)


 * Etching of Glass Sold State Nuclear Track Detectors in Aqueous Solutions of (NH4) HF2, NaOH and KOH - Hameed A. Khan, R.A. Akber, A. Waheed, P. Chaudhry and S. Mubarakmand Int. Journal on Applied Radiation and Isotopes. Vol. 29 (1978) pp.229-232.


 * Pakistan’s Energy Needs - Options for Alternative Sources” Pakistan Army Green Book - 2016 (ISSN 2303-9973) Dr. Samar Mubarakmand


 * Energy Security of Pakistan In The Back Drop of CPEC Pakistan Army Green Book - 2018 (ISSN 2303-9973) Dr. Samar Mubarakmand


 * Mineral Wealth of Pakistan Pakistan Army Green Book - 2019 (ISSN 2303-9973) Dr. Samar Mubarakmand


 * Indian Nuclear Ambitions – Accentuating Regional Strategic Imbalance Pakistan Army Green Book – 2021 (ISSB 2303-9973) Dr. Samar Mubarakmand


 * Reducing Reliance on Imported Oil and Gas for Pakistan’s Power Needs Pakistan Army Green Book – 2023 (ISSB 2303-9973) Dr. Samar Mubarakmand

International Conference Proceedings:

 * 1) New Etchants for Soda Lime Glass Track Detectors Hameed A. Khan, R.A Akber, A. Waheed, P. Chaudhry and S. Mubarakmand - Proceedings of 9th Int. Conf. on SSNTD (Munich 1976) edited by F. Granzfer, E. Schopper, Pergmon Press (1978)
 * 2) The use of CA80-15 and LR-115 Cellulose Nitrate Track Detectors for Discrimination Between Radon and Thoron. H.A. Khan, R.A Akber, A. Waheed, M. Afzal, P. Chaudhry, S. Mubarakmand and F.I. Nagi. Proceedings of 9th Int. Conf. on SSTND (Munich 1976) edited by F. Granzer, E. Schopper and H.G Paretzche, Pregmon Press (1978)
 * 3) The Measurement of Helium-Ion-Induced Fission Cross-Section of Uranium by Glass Track Detectors - S. Mubarakmand, P. Chaudhry, K. Rashid, R.A. Akber and H.A Khan - Proceedings of 9th Inter. Conf. on SSTND (Munich 1976) edited by F. Granzer, E. Schopper and H.G Paretzche, Pregmon Press (1978)

Technical Reports:

 * 1) Automatic Standby System and Interlocking for the Neutron Generator Laboratory - S. Mubarakmand and P.K. Maher - PINSTECH/Phy-21(1974)
 * 2) NRL Research Report "Nuclear Research Laboratory, Govt College Lahore (1974-75)" S. Mubarakmand - Govt College Lahore.
 * 3) NRL Research Report "Nuclear Research Laboratory, Govt College Lahore (1974-75)" S. Mubarakmand - Govt College Lahore