[2] Established in 1972 to study non-ferrous metals, it played an important role during the development of Pakistan's clandestine nuclear weapons program.
[3][4] Its activities include research into non-ferrous and ferrous metals, materials science as well as testing, accreditation and quality assurance.
[5] The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) used the Metallurgical Laboratory in 1972 to conduct basic research into the chemistry and physical metallurgy of non-ferrous metals.
[6][7] The lab also undertook classified studies, as codename: Wah Group Scientists, in designing and developing the non-nuclear physical components and performing metallurgy testing of explosives to be used in nuclear devices under Dr. Zaman Sheikh, a physical chemist.
[4] These days POF Metallurgical Laboratory offers a variety of material testing services, including:[1][9] The lab is accredited by various accreditation bodies including PNAC[10] and ISO 14001:2004 by TUV Austria Bureau.