Policy Dialogue on Gender Disparity: 12th July, 2025
On 12 July 2025, the Institute of Public Health, Lahore, in collaboration with MWAP, held a policy dialogue on gender disparity to promote evidence-based policies and practical solutions to reduce gender inequality in Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal, Dean, IPH, emphasized the urgent need to address gender disparities through data-driven policy actions and highlighted the importance of the One Health approach. Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, President MWAP, stressed the need for gender equity in healthcare and shared MWAP’s efforts to support and empower women professionals.
Pakistan’s First-Time Participation at MWIA Congress:
The Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP) proudly represented Pakistan at the MWIA Congress 2025 in Cairo, Egypt. Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, Founder and President MWAP, and Prof. Shamsa Humayun, Senior Vice President MWAP, attended as official delegates, actively participating in the flag parade and showcasing Pakistan’s growing global presence in women’s medical leadership. Dr. Wajiha Rizwan presented on child abuse and neglect, sharing five-year data from the Child Protection Unit, Children’s Hospital Lahore, while Prof. Shamsa Humayun delivered a session on perinatal mental health. Dr. Wajiha Rizwan also led Pakistan in the Central Asia Regional Business Meeting, and was honored with an award by MWIA President Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi, recognizing MWAP’s contributions to women’s and children’s health.
STRIDE’25 Symposium: Advancing Medical Education: 1st October 2025
On 1st October 2025, UMDC’s Department of Medical Education led by Dr. Komal Atta, in
collaboration with MWAP, organized STRIDE’25, a national symposium on teaching, research,
and innovation in medical education. The event featured 44 oral and poster presentations
and keynote sessions by leading medical educators. Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal,
President CPSP and Vice Chancellor FJMU, attended as Chief Guest, inspiring students and
awarding certificates and cash prizes to winners. MWAP leaders, including Dr. Wajiha Rizwan,
Prof. Dr. Shamsa Humayun, Prof. Dr. Bilquis Shabbir, Prof. Dr. Mahwish Arooj, and Prof. Dr.
Waris Farooka, delivered impactful talks on career development, clinical research, burnout,
bias, and simulation in surgery.
MWAP’s 2nd Anniversary across Pakistan: 26th October, 2025.
MWAP celebrated its 2nd Anniversary across Pakistan on 26th October 2025, marking a
nationwide expression of strength, sisterhood, and service. The celebrations were led across
provinces and regions by dedicated women leaders: Sindh by Prof. Haleema, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa by Prof. Salma Kundi, Gilgit by Dr. Saima, Balochistan by Prof. Nabiha, and
Punjab with activities in Faisalabad led by Prof. Aisha Sajid and Lahore led by Prof. Shamsa,
Prof. Mahwish, Dr. Rabia Wajid and Prof. Nabila, reflecting MWAP’s unified vision and
growing national footprint in advancing women in medicine and healthcare leadership.
Research Synopsis Writing Course:
The MWAP Research Team, led by Course Director Prof. Dr. Nazish Imran, conducted a twomonth
Research Synopsis Writing Course. Nine participants attended the sessions,
promoting research culture in Pakistan and discouraging fake research. The course was
enhanced by the presence of Mr. Shaukat Ali Jawaid, Chief Editor PJMS, who joined both
opening and concluding sessions as a role model for ethical research.
Workshop: Building Resilience among Healthcare Professionals: 5th November, 2025
A resilience-building workshop was conducted at Children’s Hospital Lahore by MWAP in
collaboration with Islamic Aid, attended by 26 healthcare professionals. Facilitated by Dr.
Wajiha Rizwan, the session covered self-awareness, the 5 Cs (Clarity, consistency, courage,
competency and courage) of building a fulfilling life, and time-management strategies. The
workshop aimed to equip healthcare professionals with tools to preserve their emotional
and mental energy, with plans to expand these sessions nationally and internationally.
Men’s Day Celebration: 19th November 2025
In 2025, the Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP) celebrated Men’s Day to
acknowledge and thank the men who have stood as true allies in our journey. These
individuals were honored for their trust, strength, mentorship, and steadfast support in
uplifting women leaders and advancing shared goals in healthcare, education, and service.
MWAP celebrated Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal, VC, FJMU and President, CPSP, as one of its
distinguished honorees, recognizing him as the most charismatic leader whose vision,
compassion, and inclusive leadership continue to elevate the health profession.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence:
A seminar on Digital Violence Against Children and Women was held on 9 December 2025
at Shaukat Raza Auditorium, Children’s Hospital Lahore, organized jointly by MWAP and
UCHS, with Prof. Nasir Rana, Registrar UCHS, as Chief Organizer. Deputy Director FIA Mr.
Waqas delivered the keynote on digital hygiene, responsible posting, and online data
safety. The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Lubna Riaz, included Prof. Muhammad
Nasir Rana, Prof. Nabila Talat (VP, MWAP), Prof. Rubina Sohail (President Elect, SOGP), and
Prof. Shamsa Humayun (SVP, MWAP), who highlighted men’s role in empowering women,
the need for strong laws and monitoring of social media, early detection and reporting of
abuse, and responsible internet use. Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, President MWAP, emphasized that
silence empowers perpetrators and encouraged victims to speak up, noting that social
media can also be a tool for support and advocacy. Prof. Shakila Zaman, Guest of Honour,
stressed evidence collection and research-based recommendations.
Webinars:
MWAP conducted an engaging webinar on ethical AI engagement attended by 40 senior
faculty members. Facilitated by Dr. Noor-i-Kiran Haris, moderated by Dr. Sara and
organized by Prof. Saima Batool, the session emphasized ethical, responsible, and humancentered
AI use in medical education and healthcare, receiving highly positive feedback
and interest in future hands-on AI learning sessions. Additionally, Prof. Salma Kundi,
Director KPK, led weekly webinars in collaboration with Pakistan Medical Association and
Women Medical College.
Award: Director Research MWAP Honored with International Scholar Award
Dr. Nazish Imran, Director Research MWAP and leading Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist,
was awarded the Ülkü Ülgür, MD, International Scholar Award by AACAP. This prestigious
recognition honors her significant contributions to improving mental health services for
children and adolescents, highlighting MWAP’s commitment to research and child mental
health advocacy.
Dr. Nazish Imran