Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) was established in 1953 to promote science and technology, disseminate scientific knowledge and honour eminent scientists primarily through their election as fellows. There are currently 67 fellows and 17 foreign fellows. The Academy awards medals and prizes to scientists for their distinguished contributions to various scientific disciplines. In addition to having exchange programmes with scientific societies, academies and learned bodies in several countries, the Academy also publishes a scientific journal and monographs on topics of national interest. It also arranges seminars, symposia, conferences and workshops at national and international levels.