FJMU hosts awareness seminar on International Women's Day

Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), Lahore, hosted an awareness seminar on International Women's Day.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique graced the occasion as chief guest. FJMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal graced the event as patron-in-chief.

Parliamentarians of Punjab Assembly, including Chairman of the Standing Committee on SHC&ME Department, Mr. Adnan Afzal Chatha; Parliamentary Secretary Health Ms. Rushda Lodhi; Ms. Sonia Aashar (MPA); Ms. Sumbal Malik (MPA) and Mr. Shahbaz Khokhar (MPA), graced the occasion as guests of honour.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal along with the faculty extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests. Prior to the seminar, a meeting was held in which Prof. Gondal gave a detailed briefing on the recent performance, ranking and achievements of the university.

The seminar began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and National Anthem. Dr. Noor Amna Malik, Managing Director, National Academy of Higher Education, HEC, joined the event online and emphasized the significance of women's empowerment.

In the welcome address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal welcomed the distinguished guests to FJMU. He paid tribute to the contributions of women in the medical profession. He emphasized that FJMU as a shining example of women's empowerment. He also highlighted the importance of women's rights in Islam, noting that women have been given a high status and that Allah Almighty has placed heaven under the feet of mothers and sent daughters as blessings. During the address, he specially requested to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Punjab for the inauguration of a gymnasium and swimming pool, as well as the construction of a new auditorium at FJMU. This request aims to enhance the university's infrastructure and provide better facilities for its students. He concluded his speech on the following stanza of poetry. 

 "تیری ہستی ہے زمانے کے لیے مشعل راہ، تیرا ہر روپ وفا، عزت و ناموس بقاء"

 Parliamentarian Mr. Shahbaz Khokhar highlighted the importance of daughters and women. According to Islamic teachings, daughters are indeed considered a blessing from Allah. He emphasized the value of treating daughters with kindness, respect, and care. He said that the services of Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz are commendable.

Parliamentarian Ms. Sumbal Malik emphasized the significance of women's rights. He recognized the importance of women's contributions and empowerment every day. He encouraged to learn from the exemplary life and character of Hazrat Syeda Fatima Zahra (R.A).

Parliamentarian Ms. Sonia Aashar highlighted the remarkable contributions of Chief Minister Punjab to women's empowerment. She has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting women's rights and economic empowerment

Parliamentarian Ms. Rushda Lodhi paid heartfelt tribute to Chief Minister Punjab and Khawaja Salman Rafiq. She highlighted the significance of women's empowerment and the importance of supportive individuals in their lives. By saying "behind every successful woman, there is a man," She emphasized the value of having encouraging partners, family members, or mentors who help women achieve their goals. She also acknowledged Almighty Allah's gift of empowerment to women, She appreciated Chief Minister Punjab’s commitment to women's rights a well-deserved, given Maryam Nawaz's efforts to launch initiatives like the "Free Medicine Delivery Project" aimed at improving healthcare access for women. By dedicating the day to women working tirelessly for the country's prosperity, she shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in Pakistan.

Mr. Adnan Afzal Chatha, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Specialized Health Care and Medical Education Department, highlighted the invaluable contributions of women to Pakistan. He acknowledged the pivotal role of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah in the country's founding and admired Pakistani doctors serving globally. He emphasized the need to adapt to modern technology and face emerging challenges. He commended Chief Minister Punjab’s initiatives, which include courses exclusively for women in e-commerce, IT, and other sectors. These programs aim to empower women with digital skills, increase employability, and provide international certifications from renowned organizations like Microsoft, Adobe etc.

Health Minister Punjab Mr. Khawaja Salman Rafique expressed his gratitude to Prof. Khalid Gondal for inviting him to Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU). During his address, he paid tributes to women, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and acknowledging the significant role women play in a nation's development. He highlighted that Islam has been a guiding force in granting women respect and dignity. He cited the example of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, a great woman in Pakistani politics. He gave a take home message that men must respect women, and only through a balanced society can a nation truly progress.

Former Vice-Chancellors Prof. Shireen Khawar, Prof. Shamsa Humayun, former Principal Prof. Noreen Akmal, Deans Prof. Munazza Iqbal, Prof. Muniza Qayyum, Principal Prof. Abdul Hamid, Registrar Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nadeem, Chairperson Medicine/ Director Quality Enhancement Cell Prof. Bilquis Shabbir, President Medical Women Association of Pakistan Dr. Wajeeha Rizwan, female faculty members, and a large number of students participated in the event.

At the end of the seminar, Principal Prof. Abdul Hamid delivered the vote of thanks. Chief Guest Khawaja Salman Rafiq was presented with an honorary souvenir, and history books were presented to the parliamentarians, and an awareness walk was organized.