View source for Samar Mubarakmand

{{Short description|Pakistani nuclear physicist (born 1942)}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Peacock|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox scientist
| name              = Samar Mubarakmand
| native_name       = ڈاکٹر سمر مبارک مند
| native_name_lang  = Ur
| image             = Dr-Samar-251x300.jpg
| image_size        = 
| alt               = 
| caption           = Mubarakmand in 1998
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1942|09|17}}
| birth_place       = [[Rawalpindi]], [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab]], [[British Raj|British India]]<br />(present-day Rawalpindi, [[Pakistan]])
| death_date        = 
| death_place       = 
| nationality       = Pakistani
| fields            = [[Nuclear Physics]]
| workplaces        = [[Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission]]<br />[[Government College University, Lahore|Government College University]]<br />[[Planning Commission (Pakistan)|Planning Commission]]<br>[[Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology]]
| spouse            = Khalida Samar
| alma_mater        = [[Government College University, Lahore|Government College University]]<br />[[University of Oxford]]
| doctoral_advisor  = [[Denys Haigh Wilkinson|D. H. Wilkinson]]
| doctoral_students = 
| academic_advisors = 
| known_for         = [[Pakistan and its Nuclear Deterrent Program|Nuclear deterrence / Atomic program]]<br />[[Integrated Missile Research and Development Programme|Integrated missile program]]<br />Experimental [[Nuclear Physics]]<br />[[Nuclear structure]] <br />[[Gamma spectroscopy]]<br /> [[Fast-neutron reactor]]
| awards            = [[Nishan-e-Imtiaz]] (2003)<ref name=Dawn5>{{cite news | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/135087/awards-for-civilians-announced | title=Awards for civilians announced | newspaper=Dawn | date=14 August 2003 | accessdate=10 April 2022}}</ref><br />[[Hilal-e-Imtiaz]] (1998)<br />[[Sitara-e-Imtiaz]] (1992)
| footnotes         = 
}}

'''Samar Mubarakmand''' ([[Urdu]]: {{URDU|سمر مبارک مند}}; born 17 September 1942; {{small|[[Nishan-e-Imtiaz|NI]], [[Hilal-e-Imtiaz|HI]], [[Sitara-e-Imtiaz|SI]], [[Fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences|FPAS]]}}) is a [[Pakistani people|Pakistani]] [[nuclear physicist]] known for his research in [[gamma spectroscopy]] and the experimental development of the [[Pakistan Research Reactor#Charged Particle Accelerator|Charged Particle Accelerator]] at the [[Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology]] (PINSTECH).<ref name="N.M. Butt international Congress on Radiation Education"/>

After completing his doctoral research in [[Fast-neutron reactor|fast neutron spectrometry]], he was appointed as head of the Diagnostic Group for the [[Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission]]. He went on to serve as the test director for [[Chagai-I|nuclear weapons testing]] in the [[Ras Koh Range]] in [[Balochistan (Pakistan)|Balochistan]], in 1998.<ref>{{cite web |author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/pakistan/kharan.htm |title=Ras Koh – Pakistan Special Weapons Facilities |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |access-date=2 September 2010 |archive-date=1 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501131919/http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/pakistan/kharan.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= Sheikh |first=F.D.|title =The galaxy of Pakistani scientists:Eminent scientists in the field of Physics; Dr Samar Mubarakmand | website =F.D. Sheikh | date =9 July 2009| url =http://fdsheikh.wordpress.com/2009/07/09/the-galaxy-of-pakistani-scientists/ | access-date =26 December 2016 }}</ref>

Prior to that, he was the lead scientist for Pakistan's military [[Pakistani missile research and development program|Hatf Program]], overseeing the development of the [[Shaheen-I|Shaheen]] and [[Babur cruise missile|Babur]] missile programs, while serving as the chairman of the [[National Engineering and Scientific Commission]] for the [[Government of Punjab, Pakistan|Government of Punjab]] between 2001 and 2007. His career in government continued when he was appointed as a science adviser to the Federal [[Government of Pakistan]] to assist with the [[Thar coalfield]] project. As of 2025, he was heading mineral exploration efforts in the [[Chiniot]] district, serving as chairman of the board of directors at the Punjab Mineral Company (Mines & Minerals Department), Government of Punjab.<ref name="Pakistan Academy of Sciences"/><ref name="Dawn News, Kiani">{{cite news|last1=Kiani|first1=Khaliq|title=Breakthrough in coal power|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1077175|access-date=4 June 2015|agency=Dawn News|publisher=Dawn News, Kiani|date=4 June 2015}}</ref>

== Biography ==

===Early life and education===
Samar Mubarakmand was born in [[Rawalpindi]] on 17 September 1942 in a [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] family from [[Hoshiarpur]], [[East Punjab]].<ref name="Pakistan Academy of Sciences"/> He was educated in [[Lahore]] and matriculated from [[St. Anthony's High School (Lahore)|St. Anthony's High School]] in 1956.<ref name="Pakistan Academy of Sciences">{{Cite web |title=Samar Mubarakmand |website=Pakistan Academy of Sciences |url=http://www.paspk.org/fellow-profile/?fellowID=82 |access-date = 7 September 2019}}</ref> After passing the university entrance exams, he enrolled at [[Government College University, Lahore|Government College University]] (GCU) where he studied physics under [[Tahir Hussain (physicist)|Tahir Hussain]].<ref name="Nazaria-e-Pakistan Trust">{{cite web|last1=Asim|first1=Khalid Mahmood|title=Famous Scientists|url=http://www.nazariapak.info/Famous-Pakistani/Scientists.php|publisher=Nazaria-e-Pakistan Trust|access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref> In 1960, he graduated with a [[Bachelor of Science]] (BSc) in [[physics]] with a [[Major (academic)|concentration]] in [[experimental physics]] and a [[Academic minor|minor]] in mathematics.<ref name="Nust Science Society">{{cite web|last1=Hassan|first1=Osama|title=An Interview with Dr. Samar Mubarakmand|url=http://irnustian.com/2010/06/an-interview-with-dr-samar-mubarakmand/|publisher=Nust Science Society|access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref> During college, Mubarakmand was a swimmer and represented GCU at the [[National Games of Pakistan]].<ref name="Nust Science Society"/>

He researched [[experimental physics]] under Hussain and built an experimental apparatus for his master's thesis.<ref name="Nust Science Society"/> His thesis contained work on [[gamma ray spectrometry]] , and he performed an experiment that was witnessed by nuclear physicist [[Denys Wilkinson]] as part of his master's program.<ref name="Nust Science Society"/> Wilkinson invited Mubarakmand to visit [[University of Oxford|Oxford University]] in the United Kingdom to resume studies in [[experimental physics]].<ref name="Nust Science Society"/>

In 1962, Mubarakmand gained a [[Master of Science]] (MSc) in Physics after publishing his thesis, ''Construction of a gamma-ray spectrometer'', under Hussain.<ref name="N.M. Butt international Congress on Radiation Education">{{cite web|last1=Butt|first1=N.M.|author-link1=N. M. Butt|title=Nuclear Radiation & Nuclear Science & Technology in Pakistan|url=http://pakdef.org/nuclear-radiation-education-and-nuclear-science-and-technology-in-pakistan/|publisher=N.M. Butt international Congress on Radiation Education|access-date=2 June 2015|location=Debrecen, Hungary|date=25 August 2002}}</ref> In 1962, he joined the [[Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission]] (PAEC) and received a scholarship to study at [[Oxford University]] and joined the group led by Wilkinson.<ref name="Nust Science Society"/> Mubarakmand participated in preparing and commissioning a 22 million [[volt]] [[particle accelerator]]. He also studied [[linear accelerator]]s, and after returning to [[Pakistan]], he built one.<ref name="Computer Center of Planning Commission of Pakistan">{{cite news|title=Dr. Samar Mubarakmand (N.I, H.I, S.I)|url=http://pc.gov.pk/|access-date=4 June 2015|agency=Planning Commission|publisher=Computer Center of Planning Commission of Pakistan|date=26 December 2008|location=Islamabad Pakistan|pages=1}}</ref> Apart from studying, Mubarakmand played cricket and [[fast bowler|fast bowled]] for the [[Oxford University Cricket Club]].<ref name="Nust Science Society" /> In 1966, he completed his doctoral thesis under Wilkinson and was awarded a [[Doctor of Philosophy]] (DPhil) in Experimental [[Nuclear Physics]].<ref name="Special report, Jang">{{cite web|last1=Shaikh|first1=F.D|title=The galaxy of Pakistani scientists|url=http://jang.com.pk/thenews/jul2009-weekly/us-10-07-2009/p5.htm|publisher=Special report, Jang|access-date=3 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304191314/http://jang.com.pk/thenews/jul2009-weekly/us-10-07-2009/p5.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="Pakistan Herald">{{cite news| url=http://pakistanherald.com/Profile/Dr-Samar-Mubarak-Mand-1283 | work=Pakistan Herald | title=Dr. Samar Mubarakmand }}</ref><ref name="Nust Science Society, 2012">{{cite web|title=Dr. Samar Mubarakmand|date=29 August 2012 |url=https://nustscienceblog.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/dr-samar-mubarakmand-1942-onwards/|publisher=Nust Science Society |access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref>

==Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)==
{{See also|Project-706}}

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]]. In 1974, Samar Mubarakmand completed research in fast neutron-induced reactions and developed experimental techniques for neutron spectroscopy. This resulted in several publications in the journals “Nuclear Physics” and “Nuclear Instrumentation and Methods” North Holland publications.<ref>a)	A Fast Neutron Time-of-Flight Spectrometer - S. Mubarakmand, N.A. Khan
and P.K.Maher - Nuclear Instruments and Methods 86 (1970) 149-155
b)	Neutron Detection Efficiency of an Organic Scintillator - S. Mubarakmand and M. Anwar - Nuclear Instruments and Methods 93 (1971) 515-518
c)	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
d)	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</ref>

From 1974 to 1977, he was the director of Center for Advanced Studies in Physics (CASP) at [[Government College University, Lahore]], on temporary attachment. During his tenure, he developed an interest in the applications of [[Solid-state nuclear track detector|solid-state track detectors]]. He later presented his work at an international conference held at the Max Planck Institute, Munich, in 1976.<ref>a) 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 b) 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 c) 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.
d) 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</ref><ref>a) 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, Pergamon Press (1978)
b)	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 Inter. Conf. on SSTND (Munich 1976) edited by F. Granzer, E. Schopper and H.G Paretzche, Pergamon Press (1978) c)	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, Pergamon Press (1978)</ref>

From 1977 to 1980, Mubarakmand worked on applications of lasers and the [[Separation of isotopes by laser excitation|separation of isotopes]] of sulfur in [[sulfur hexafluoride]]. Mubarakmand also contributed to the development of methods for transmitting fast signals through [[Optical fiber|optical fibers]], aimed at reducing electromagnetic interference. This work paralleled the increasing adoption of fiber optic technology in communications countrywide.<ref>11.	Citation – “Transmission of Fast Interference Free Signals Through Optical Fibers. Award of Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan 1992 to Dr. Samar Mubarakmand</ref>

===1971 War and Atomic Bomb Project===
In the decade of the 80s, when PAEC was busy developing several designs of nuclear devices, it was felt that these designs would have to be ratified through [[Nuclear weapons testing#Alternatives to full-scale testing|cold tests]]. Mubarakmand, an experimental physicist, was known for his expertise in fast neutron spectrometry.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}} 

During his research in nuclear structure for his doctorate 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.

Mubarakmand was Munir Khan's, Chairman of the [[Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission]], first choice for head of the Diagnostic Group.<ref>12.Pakistan's Pathway to the Bomb - Ambitions, Politics, and Rivalries - Georgetown University Press (2022), Chapter 8, “The Cold Tests: Taking the Gadget for a Ride” Page 194,  Mansoor Ahmed</ref>

{{Reduced pull quote|right|"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 32 seconds. But all of a sudden it was a big jolt! We had triumphed....!"|Samar Mubarakmand's describing the [[Nuclear weapon yield|blast yield]] in 1998.|Cited source<ref>{{Cite web |title= Dr. Samar Mubarak Mand |work = Nazari-a-Pakistan |publisher=Nazaria-i-Pakistan |url= http://nazariapak.info/famous-pakistanis/Scientists.html#Mand|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113154236/http://www.nazariapak.info/famous-pakistanis/Scientists.html#Mand |url-status= dead |archive-date = 13 January 2010|access-date= 26 December 2016}}</ref>}}

Several designs of nuclear devices were developed, and high confidence in their performance was assured through cold testing. Each of these tests involved the detection and measurement of fast neutrons emitted in short, sharp sub-microsecond bursts. 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<ref>13.	Pakistan's Pathway to the Bomb - Ambitions, Politics, and Rivalries - Georgetown University Press (2022), Chapter 8, “The Cold Tests: Taking the Gadget for a Ride” Page 190, Mansoor Ahmed</ref> based on fusion reactions. This neutron source would trigger a nuclear device in a Hot Test. 

From 1991 to 1994, 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, smaller nuclear devices with updated specifications were developed to meet the varied requirements of Pakistan’s Fighter Aircraft 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, Mubarakmand was promoted as Director General DTD in 1994. In 1995, he was given the responsibility of Member Technical PAEC, which he held till the year 2000. During the five-year tenure, 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, Mubarakmand and a team of PAEC’s Scientists and Engineers were able to establish and commission [[Pakistan|Pakistan’s]] first reprocessing Plant for burnt reactor fuel. This led to the production of metallic plutonium at the facility in the year 2000.<ref> 14.	Pakistan's Pathway to the Bomb - Ambitions, Politics, and Rivalries - Georgetown University Press (2022) Conclusion, pages 258,260, Mansoor Ahmed</ref>

Several areas were visited and studied with the help of senior [[Geologist]]s of the PAEC, and finally, the chairman PAEC, Ishfaq Ahmed, selected the Chaghai Site for conducting Pakistan’s Hot Tests at an appropriate time. Mubarakmand supervised the installation of Diagnostic Equipment and other facilities at the site relevant to the safe conduct of the [[Nuclear tests]].

In 2005, Mubarakmand eulogized his memories in an interview with [[Hamid Mir]]'s ''[[Capital Talk]]'' television show and said:

{{blockquote|text="I visited the first [[Ras Koh Hills|weapon-testing laboratories]] (WTL) at ([[Chagai Hills|Chagai District]]) for the first time in 1981.... When the science experiments were to be conducted, our science teams went there on 20th May, and again on 28th May, in the early morning, the WTL iron-steel tunnels were (electronically) plugged in and the preparation for the tests' experiments were complete, and on 28th May, around 15:15hrs, was the time selected for testings. So, at that time, at around 14:45hrs, some of our high profiled guests arrived to witness the (science) experiments that were soon to be tests, and Qadeer Khan was also one of them.... It was the first visit of his life to any of Chagai's Weapon-testing laboratories. (Abdul Qadeer) came at the invitation of the Chairman of the PAEC, [[Ishfaq Ahmad]], and (Abdul Qadeer) arrived 15 minutes prior to the (science) experiments that were to be conducted..."|sign=Samar Mubarakmand, <small>commenting on Abdul Qadeer Khan's role in atomic bomb project</small>|source=<ref name="PakDef, Hamid Mir">{{cite web|author=Hamid Mir|title=Geo TV Capital Talk Special: Interview with Dr. Samar Mubarakmand|url=http://pakdef.org/geo-tv-capital-talk-special-interview-with-dr-samar-mubarakmand-n-i-h-i-s-i-chairman-nescom/|publisher=PakDef, Hamid Mir|access-date=3 June 2015|date=3 May 2004}}</ref><ref name="[[Geo News]]">{{cite AV media | author=Hamid Mir | title =Capital Talk: Interview with Dr. Samar Mubarakmand | medium =Television production | publisher =[[Geo News]] | location =Islamabad, Pakistan | date =3 May 2005 | url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvAvsNaG7cE }}</ref>}}

Recalling [[Munir Ahmad Khan]] and PAEC's role and its relation to the atomic bomb project priority dispute, Mubarakmand later said that:

{{blockquote|text="As many as nineteen steps were involved in the making of a nuclear weapon ranging from exploration of uranium to the finished device and its trigger mechanism. The technological and manpower infrastructure for eighteen out of these nineteen steps were provided by PAEC under the leadership of Munir Ahmad Khan who led it for nearly two decades from 1972 to 1991. Today all the major key scientific organizations linked to the country's security like PAEC, the Kahuta Research Labs and the strategic production complex were run and operated by Pakistani professionals produced by the policies of PAEC both under him and Usmani of producing indigenous trained manpower. Pakistan's nuclear capability was confirmed the day in 1983 when PAEC carried out cold nuclear tests under the guidance and stewardship of Munir Ahmad Khan.  The tests however, were not publicly announced because of the international environment of stiff sanctions against countries, which sought to acquire nuclear capability...."|sign=Samar Mubarakmand, <small>Eulogizing Munir Khan's and PAEC's role on the development of the atomic bomb project</small>|source=<ref>{{cite news|last=Mubarakmand|first=Samar|title=Pakistan Became a Nuclear State in 1983|newspaper=The Nation|date=6 August 2009}}</ref>}}

===Pakistan's Missile Program===

In 1990s, Mubarakmand took special initiatives in the advancement of the [[Pakistan space program|space program]] and led a team of [[Engineer|engineers]] to successfully develop the ''[[Shaheen-I]]'' missile.<ref>{{Cite news|work = Nuclear Threat Initiative|title = See: 17 December 2003 (Pakistan to Test Latest Engine for Ghauri IV Missile)|url= http://www.nti.org/e_research/profiles/Pakistan/Missile/3068_4693.html |access-date = 26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411113421/http://www.nti.org/e_research/profiles/Pakistan/Missile/3068_4693.html |archive-date = 11 April 2010|url-status= dead}}</ref> He was the founding director of the [[National Defence Complex]] (NDC) bureau that initiated the work on the [[Shaheen-I]] and gathered support for the program.<ref name="Khalid Hanif, special report on Jang, published by FAS">{{cite web|last1=Khalid|first1=Hanif|title=How Shaheen Was Developed|url=http://fas.org/news/pakistan/1999/fbis-nes-1999-0422.htm|publisher=Khalid Hanif, special report on Jang, published by FAS|access-date=4 June 2015|date=19 April 1999}}</ref> Necessary funding for the program was secured by the [[Pakistan Armed Forces|military]]. Mubarakmand oversaw the development of the [[solid-fuel rocket]] booster.<ref name="Khalid Hanif, special report on Jang, published by FAS"/> Initiated in 1987 by the [[Pakistan Ministry of Defence]] in response to India's [[Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme]], Pakistan's [[Pakistani missile research and development program|spin-off missile program]] was aggressively pursued by Prime Minister [[Benazir Bhutto]] in 1993. The Shaheen-I missile was successfully test fired in 1999 by a team of engineers led by Mubarakmand.<ref name="Khalid Hanif, special report on Jang, published by FAS"/> Subsequently, [[Shaheen-II]] and [[Shaheen-III]] missiles were successfully test fired with ranges of 2000 km and 2750 km respectively.<ref> CSIS:1616 Rhode Island Avenue NW Location, Washington, D.C., U.S.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_Strategic_and_International_Studies</ref>

Key strategic weapon systems, such as the ''[[Babur missile|Babur]]'' and ''[[Ghaznavi (missile)|Ghaznavi]]'' missiles, were also built by his team.<ref>{{Cite video| author=Samar Mubarak Mand| title =Samar Mubarakmand- Babur Cruise Missile| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8OnJLoRhmo| medium =TV-Series| publisher =[[Geo TV]]| location =[[Islamabad]] | date = 2006}}</ref>

Development of [[Babur (cruise missile)|Babur Cruise Missile]] with a range of 700 km<ref> CSIS:1616 Rhode Island Avenue NW Location, Washington, D.C., U.S. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_Strategic_and_International_Studies</ref> was also commenced during the same period. Several tests of its boost phase and flight phase were conducted to evaluate the missile's performance and potential role in national defense strategy. Mubarakmand retired from [[National Engineering & Scientific Commission|NESCOM]] in November 2007.

In 2008, Mubarakmand joined the [[Planning Commission of Pakistan]] where he strongly advocated for peaceful usage of their space program. In 2009, he revealed the work on [[Paksat-1R]], the nation's first [[geostationary satellite]] that was launched in 2011.<ref>{{Cite news | title =Pakistan's first satellite to be launch on April 2011: Dr. Samar | newspaper =[[The News International]] | location =[[Islamabad]]| publisher =The news international| date =18 August 2009| url = http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=85207| access-date =26 December 2016 }}</ref>

The satellite was described as being able to monitor agricultural programs, minerals programs and weather conditions and quoted that there were sufficient funds for the defence, nuclear and space programs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/pakistan/pakistan-shaheen-iii-space-booster.htm|title=Launch Vehicles: Pakistan Shaheen-III Space Booster Development|website=Global Security|access-date=17 June 2019}}</ref> The satellite was launched in 2011 from the [[Xichang Satellite Launch Centre]] in China.<ref name="Dawn, 2011">{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/08/11/pakistans-first-communications-satellite-paksat-1r-launched.html|title=Pakistan's First Communications Satellite PakSat-1R Launched.|date=11 August 2011|access-date=4 June 2015|publisher=Dawn, 2011|agency=Dawn}}</ref> His relations with [[Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan|Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan]] often remained tense over several scientific issues.

===Thar Coal Project===
{{Main|Thar coalfield|Reko Diq}}

In 2013, Mubarakmand assisted the [[Government of Balochistan, Pakistan|Provincial Government of Balochistan]] in [[mineral extraction]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/31-Jan-2013/balochistan-set-to-undertake-reko-diq-project|title=Balochistan set to undertake Reko Diq project|date=31 January 2013|website=The Nation|language=en|access-date=17 June 2019}}</ref> He lobbied heavily for the implementation of the [[Thar coalfield|Thar coal project]] initiated by the [[Government of Sindh|Provincial Government of Sindh]] despite strong public criticism by [[Abdul Qadeer Khan]]. In 2015, a breakthrough in the Thar coal project was reported by the media.<ref name="Dawn News, Kiani"/> According to Mubarakmand, the Thar coal reserves have been projected to supply power for several decades, subject to development and policy implementation. When speaking to a large crowd at [[Cadet College Fateh Jang]], he said that he had developed a solution to the growing power outage and was now waiting for the government to put it into action. [https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/354831]

===Reko Diq Copper Gold Project===
{{Main|Reko Diq case}}

The Tethyan Cooper Company (TCC) has approached the [[High Court of Justice]] in the British Virgin Islands for the enforcement of the $5.97 billion award against [[Pakistan]] by the [[International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes]] (ICSID) in the [[Reko Diq case]] in December 2020.<ref name="Dawn News">{{cite news|title=Mining firm moves Virgin Islands court for enforcement of Reko Diq award against Pakistan|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1597596/mining-firm-moves-virgin-islands-court-for-enforcement-of-reko-diq-award-against-pakistan|access-date=24 December 2020|agency=Dawn News|publisher=Dawn News|date=24 December 2020}}</ref>

A senior official revealed that the "misstatement" of Mubarakmand before the Supreme Court tribunal, in which he in 2011 had claimed that the [[Reko Diq Mine|Reko Diq]] gold mines would fetch Pakistan around $2.5 billion annually, was one of the main reasons behind the Supreme Court's decision on 7 January 2013. On that date, a three-member bench of the apex court, headed by then Chief Justice [[Iftikhar Chaudhry|Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry]], declared the Chagai Hills Exploration Joint Venture Agreement (Chejva) "illegal, void" and non-binding, causing ICSID to slap the heavy penalty on [[Pakistan]]. Mubarakmand projected that [[Reko Diq Mine|Reko Diq]] and other reserves could generate up to $131 billion over the mine’s lifetime.<ref>Submission by Dr. Samar Mubarakmand in the Supreme Court of Pakistan Constitution Petition No. 68 of 2010</ref> The tribunal relied on his statement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reko Diq case:Ex-CJP's verdict costs Pakistan $6b|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2013028/1-reko-diq-case-ex-cjps-verdict-costs-pakistan-6b|access-date=24 December 2020|agency=The Express Tribune|publisher=The Express Tribune|date=14 July 2019}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news|title=Reko Diq mines: Pakistan can earn $2b a year, scientist tells court|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/103120/reko-diq-mines-pakistan-can-earn-2b-a-year-scientist-tells-court|access-date=25 December 2020|agency=The Express Tribune|publisher=The Express Tribune|date=13 January 2011}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news|title=Magic mountains: The Reko Diq gold and copper mining project|url=https://herald.dawn.com/news/1153283|access-date=25 December 2020|agency=The Express Herald|publisher=Herald|date=29 September 2017}}</ref><ref name="Dawn News" />

==State honours==
{{refimprove|section|date=May 2024}}
Mubarakmand has been conferred with [[Civil decorations of Pakistan|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.<ref name="Pakistan Academy of Sciences" /><ref>{{Cite web|last= Asim|first= Khalid Mahmood|title = Dr. Samar Mubarak Mand|website= Nazari-a-Pak |url= http://nazariapak.info/famous-pakistanis/Scientists.html#Mand|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20100113154236/http://www.nazariapak.info/famous-pakistanis/Scientists.html#Mand|url-status = dead|archive-date = 13 January 2010|access-date   = 26 December 2016}}</ref> Additionally, he is a [[Fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences]] (PAS), inducted by [[Ishfaq Ahmad]] in 2000.<ref name="Pakistan Academy of Sciences" />

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Nishan-e-Imtiaz]] (2003)
*[[Hilal-e-Imtiaz]] (1998)
*[[Sitara-e-Imtiaz]] (1992)
*[[Pakistan Academy of Sciences|PAS]] [[Nazir Ahmed (physicist)|Nazir Ahmad Award]] (2005)
*[[International Biographical Centre|International Scientist of the Year]] (2007)
*Life Member, [[Pakistan Nuclear Society]]
*Roll of Honour [[Government College, Lahore|GCU]] (1962)
*Fellow, [[Pakistan Mathematical Society]] (2003)
{{div col end}}

==Scientific journals and papers==

===Research publications===
* Aspects of a-emission from the bombardment of <sup>58</sup>[[Nickel|Ni]] with 14.7 [[electron volt|MeV]] [[neutrons]], by Naeem Ahmad Khan, Samar Mubarakmand and Masud Ahmed, journal of Nuclear physics, PINSTECH.
*Cross-section measurements with a neutron generator by Samar Mubarakmand, Masud Ahmad, M. Anwar and M. S. Chaudhry.
*Some characteristic differences between the etch pits due to <sup>86</sup>[[Radon|Rn]] and <sup>232</sup> [[Thoron|Th]] [[Alpha particles|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, [[Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology|PINSTECH]] (1977).
*Application of glass solid state nuclear track detectors in the measurement of the <sup>[[Charged particle|+]]</sup> 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 solid state nuclear track detectors in aqueous solutions of (<sup>4</sup>[[Ammonium|NH]])<sup>2</sup>[[Hydrogen fluoride|HF]], [[Sodium hydroxide|NaOH]] and [[Potassium hydroxide|KOH]], by Hameed Ahmad Khan, R. A. Akbar, A. Waheed, P. Chaudhry and Samar Mubarakmand, journal of Isotopic Radiation, PINSTECH (1978).

==See also==
*[[Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction]]
*[[Shaheen (missile)]]
*[[Chagai-I]]
*[[Chagai-II]]
*[[Kirana Hills]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Biographical annotations===
<sub>*{{cite book|last1=Khan|first1=Feroz Hassan|title=Eating grass the making of the Pakistani bomb|date=2012|publisher=Stanford University Press|location=Palo Alto|isbn=978-0804784801|pages=552|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yGgrNAsKZjEC&dq=samar+mubarakmand+naeem+ahmad+khan&pg=PA82|access-date=2 June 2015}}</sub>

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100430053322/http://www.pc.gov.pk/memst_profile.htm Samar Mubarakmand]
* http://cerncourier.com/cws/article/cern/28142/1/people11_12-99
* https://web.archive.org/web/20090507090152/http://www.ciitlahore.edu.pk/PL/News/VisitDrSamar110209.html

{{Military of Pakistan}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mubarakmand, Samar}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:Pashtun scientists]]
[[Category:Scientists from Rawalpindi]]
[[Category:Government College University, Lahore alumni]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Oxford]]
[[Category:Pakistani nuclear physicists]]
[[Category:Experimental physicists]]
[[Category:Project-706 people]]
[[Category:Fluid dynamicists]]
[[Category:Fellows of Pakistan Academy of Sciences]]
[[Category:Academic staff of the Government College University, Lahore]]
[[Category:St. Anthony's High School, Lahore alumni]]
[[Category:Nuclear weapons scientists and engineers]]