Rising Star from Pakistan
A young Pakistani student, Maah Noor Cheema, has captured global attention after reports revealed that her intelligence quotient (IQ) surpasses that of the late British physicist Stephen Hawking.
According to British media reports, Cheema’s IQ has been measured at above 160. For context, Professor Stephen Hawking, celebrated for his groundbreaking work on black holes and cosmology, was believed to have an IQ of around 160. Surpassing this benchmark has placed Cheema among the top ranks of gifted individuals worldwide.
Her extraordinary abilities came to light after she appeared in a televised interview with Pakistan’s Geo News, where she shared details about her academic journey and personal aspirations.
Record-Breaking Academic Achievements
Cheema disclosed that she has set a new educational milestone by securing A grades in 23 A-Level subjects — a feat that echoes similar achievements by other exceptional South Asian students, including the Pakistani-British student who broke multiple world records with A-Level success Achieving top scores in such a vast number of disciplines is virtually unprecedented and has been hailed as an extraordinary academic accomplishment.
Explaining her approach, she said she always focuses on one subject at a time to fully understand the material before moving on. This strategy, she added, helps her build a deeper grasp of each subject rather than rushing through.
Despite her accomplishments, Cheema insists on remaining humble. “I am happy that my IQ is higher than Stephen Hawking’s,” she said. “But I still consider myself a student. Hawking was a world-renowned scientist, and I aspire to learn and contribute in my own way.”
Recognition from Leaders and Public
Cheema’s achievements have not gone unnoticed at the highest levels. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly praised her, calling her an inspiration for the nation’s youth. Cheema described receiving congratulatory messages from across the globe as an encouraging experience that motivates her to continue her academic journey.
For a country where education often faces challenges of underfunding and access, her success story has been widely celebrated as proof of what young Pakistanis can achieve with determination and the right support.
Preparing for the Next Chapter
Currently, Cheema is preparing for her university studies, aiming to pursue higher education in a field where she can apply her intellectual strengths. While she has not publicly disclosed her preferred area of specialization, she emphasized that her goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of learning.
Her story has sparked conversations in Pakistan about how the country can better nurture gifted students. Education experts note that with early recognition, mentorship, and resources, talented young people can thrive not only at home but also on the global stage.
A Symbol of Potential for Pakistani Youth
Cheema’s rise is being hailed as a symbol of potential for Pakistan’s next generation. Her case underscores how talent, when identified and guided, can challenge global benchmarks.
According to UNESCO, Pakistan has one of the world’s largest youth populations, with around 64% under the age of 30. Yet, the country struggles with a literacy rate of about 62%, lagging behind many regional peers. Stories like Cheema’s highlight the untapped promise within the country’s young demographic.
Her journey resonates with many families who see education as the pathway to opportunity, both at home and abroad. As Cheema prepares for her next steps, she embodies the message that brilliance knows no boundaries — and that with perseverance, young Pakistanis can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s most accomplished minds.
