Success Stories Government College for Women, Rawalpindi
April 25, 2024 2025-09-19 10:52Success Stories Government College for Women, Rawalpindi
Nigar Nazar (Graduate of 1969)
As an alumna, I am honored to have been associated with an institution that has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. I attribute my success as the first female cartoonist in Pakistan and the Muslim world to the strong academic foundation. This institute has provided me with a nurturing environment that encouraged me to explore my creative potential.
I am proud to say that I have earned many distinctions for my contributions to the field of art, including the Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah Award and being chosen by the BBC as one of the “100 Global Women Who Had Made a Difference.” I am also the founder of Gogi Studios, which has been involved in various national and international campaigns for creating awareness about social issues since the 1990s.
I have tried to address and aware general public about social issues in the most humorous way such as women’s empowerment, human rights, child safety, health and hygiene, corruption, interfaith harmony, extremism, girls’ education, and natural disasters. As I believe that a message conveyed in humorous way can be absorbed by the masses effectively.
I have worked as an author, illustrator, and concept artist for many renowned organizations, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), among others.
As an alumna, I am proud to see how RWU continues to make significant contributions to society by educating and empowering the next generation of women leaders. I wish RWU all the best.
Prof. Dr. Shaheena Ayub Bhatti Foundation University of Science and Technology, Rawalpindi
I started my college in 1975 in what was then the Government College for Women, Rawalpindi, and which was known as the 6th Road College. A lot of people still call it that.
When I joined this college, the first shock I got was that I was separated from my friends, most had joined FG College for Women, Rawalpindi Cantt and it was a source of concern for me that I had been unable to get admission along with my friends. But that was then. Time passed and I graduated from Government College for Women, Rawalpindi, along with my friends, having spent four wonderful years, four years filled with laughter, fun and frustration. We laughed at the mad dash to make it to class, once the bell had rung; we stressed over the exams, over our friend losing the Presidential Race and had fun trying to get money together for the pakoras, samosas and post-election celebration. Our friend had lost, but we still celebrated and sang songs with our feet ‘dangling in the naali’, and Waheed bhai (from the college canteen) bringing pakoras or taking notes in lieu of money!
Time moves fast and the seventies are long gone but the boost that RWU gave my professional and personal lives, is impossible to replicate. The teachers I had were committed to their profession. Professor W F Hussain and Mrs. Shafiq ur Rehman, for English Literature; Ms Muzzamil who taught us Urdu and who despaired of my ever getting more than 4.5 out of ten! Mrs Hussain who took on the responsibility of completing our approved syllabi outline, so we could sit for the exam with confidence.
Fast forward to 2024! I am currently serving as Professor of English in Foundation University of Science and Technology, Rawalpindi. In all the years that I have served in the teaching profession, I have not only taught English to speakers of other languages, but I have also supervised research for a number of students at MA, MS, MPhil and PhD levels. In addition to this I am currently working on a three year European Union and Norwegian Church Aid funded climate action project. A second project that I am working on is in collaboration with Government College University, Faisalabad. This is a two year project and is now in its second phase. I hope to be able to contribute to academia for another few years and am grateful to the opportunity that I received from this institution.
Dr. Sara Qaisar (BSc 1979)
Prof. Dr. Naila Rabbani (Graduate of Post Graduate College) (1981-1983)
My journey from Post Graduate College for Women, 6th Road, Satellite Town, Rawalpindi to becoming a renowned leader in the world of scientific research is a testament to the power of education, dedication, and perseverance. Graduating from college in 1983 with an FA in Statistics. Economics, and Mathematics. I fondly recall my time at the college as the bedrock of my future academic achievements. “My years at Post Graduate College for Women were not just about acquiring knowledge; they shaped my approach to problem-solving and inquiry, which have been instrumental in my career”.
With a strong foundation in the core subjects of statistics, economics, and mathematics. 1 moved on to pursue a BSc in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry in 1998 and PhD in Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics in 2001 at the University of Essex. U.K. During my PhD studies I developed state of the art technology named AGEomics – a technique developed for assessment of quality of the proteome and to identify and quantify endogenous damage. I was awarded the British Heart Foundation Intermediate Fellowship award in 2006.1 have published 137 peer-reviewed articles and 9 patents: h-factor 61 with over 12000 citations. I relocated to Qatar University in 2020. Currently I am working as Director GloVitality Ltd. Director Gloccntrica Ltd and Executive Director iDiagnostix Ltd. Co-President of IMARS (2024-2027). I believe that a strong foundation and the motivation of teachers during my college days at Post Graduate College for Women, 6th Road. Satellite Town helped me where I am today.
1 am both honored and humbled that Ms. Khadija Saeed, Additional Director of Student Affairs, reached out to me to be part of this newsletter. I hope my story will inspire the young women of this university.
Mehbooba Razzaq (BA with Urdu Literature (1982))
M My alma mater played a significant role in my development. Got selected as Editor in Chief for College Magazine Rawalpindi Chronicle in 1980-81. Served as President Student Union 1982. Was awarded as Distinguished Student in 1981-82. Won first Prize in extempore Urdu Story Writing 1981. Remained in college’s role of honor throughout four years. Won Prestigious Chevening Scholarship in 1996-97 and was awarded Charllace Wallace Scholarship in 2001, studied in University of London as associate research fellow. I did my Masters from University of Manchester. Got 25th position in CSS exam in 1988 and got retired from Service in Grade 21 Alhamdolilah.
Prof. Dr. Mamoona Khan Inter and Graduation in Fine Arts in 1982
I owe a great debt to the Postgraduate College for Women, Satellite town, Rawalpindi, presently RWU that bestowed me the great teachers. They provided strong basis to construct my ideals. I salute them from the core of my heart, for they made me what I am. I was selected in Masters (Fine Arts) at University of the Punjab, where I took 1st class 1st position in the M.A Part-1 annual exams, and took 2nd top position in M.A. Part-II. I was selected as Lecturer in July 1985. In 1993 I was selected as Assistant Professor through PPSC. In 2009 I completed M. Phil and won a Gold Medal by securing A+. In 2010 my 1st book was published, entitled Wazir Khan Mosque Rediscovered, which is present in almost 30 libraries of International Universities, apart from the Universities of Pakistan. In 2013 I completed the degree of Doctor of Philosophy respectably. In 2010 I was given the status of Head of the Fine Arts Department at my premier Government Post-Graduate College for Women, Satellite Town, Rawalpindi, where I was serving from 1993. In 2012, promoted as Associate Professor. In 2015, promoted as Professor of Fine Arts. In 2022, I joined FJWU as HEC Professor.
Prof. Dr. Anila Kamal (1986-1988)
As I walk through the Rawalpindi Women University, I am reminded of my days as a student when this institution was a college, a place that not only shaped my academic journey but also laid the foundation for my career as a psychologist. It is a privilege to return as Vice Chancellor to an institution that has been so integral to my life, guiding it into a new era of growth and excellence.
The evolution from a college to a university represents more than just a change in status; it represents our shared dreams, firm determination, and dedication to empowering women through education. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this institution, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that it continues to inspire and nurture future generations of women.
In psychology, we learn about the profound impact of an environment on development, and RWU has always provided a nurturing environment that encourages critical thinking, innovation, and a sense of purpose. My goal is to further enhance this environment, to create opportunities that will allow our students and faculty to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Rawalpindi Women University is more than a place of learning; it is a community, a family, and a beacon of hope for women across the country. Together, we will continue to uphold the values of integrity, inclusivity, and academic excellence that have always defined us.
My Fond Memories Prof. Dr. Iffat Rohail (1985-87) MSc. Psychology
Nearly four decades have gone and now this institute grew into a Rawalpindi Women University (RWP) and I excelled in the field of Psychology as a PhD & Professor in another University and practicing Clinical Psychologist. My profession which I owe to RWU, now multiplied into innumerable students over past 20 years and countless clients whom I have provided clinical services in all these years and trained quite a number of MS students with clinical internship.
There are so many fond memories of my stay at RWU that it may end up in a lengthy book but I will try to be brief as Shakespeare said, “Brevity is the soul of wit”.
We were 13 students in the class with five permanent teachers. Mrs. Mushtaq was head of the department and Ms. Shahnaz, Mrs. Kiani, Mrs. Badr and Ms. Sobia taught us. Some other visiting faculty also took our some courses.
Psychology department and even at the very infancy stage of the department, it was rich in Library, Testing lab and Experimental lab. I now feel that I was so lucky to be part of such an institute, which provided best facilities a student could enjoy. With all the meagre resources, students were exposed to conferences and field trips, educational as well as excursion. Learning and fun never ended in those days.
After nearly 38 years when I visited RWU on an invitation by Prof. Dr. Anila Kamal, VC RWU, I was so amazed to see a large building with the tag of Psychology. Some old and new memories are shared in these photographs.
It was a pleasant surprise to be invited to the Rawalpindi Women University for a meeting in July this year. As I entered the gate, it seemed to me like a trip down memory lane. The lawns were green and lush, and the old buildings much the same as I remembered them. I had studied at this very campus, but at that time, it was the Government College for Women, Rawalpindi. I joined the college after matriculation, and graduated in 1987. Almost all of my schoolmates and friends opted for the CB college, but my foremost reason for joining this college was that it was a mere two minute walk from my home. This was a decision I never regretted. I found the environment conducive to learning. We got a chance to study with excellent teachers who were not just knowledgeable, but also very dedicated.
The college offered pre-engineering, pre-medical, and general science programs in FSc. The general science option was not so well known, since most of the students took admission in pre-engineering or pre-medical. I took the bold step of choosing the general science option, in which we studied Math, Physics and Statistics. I topped the Rawalpindi Board in the FSc exam. I enjoyed my subjects so much that I continued the same subjects in BSc as well, and topped amongst the female candidates in the Punjab University.
Statistics and Mathematics were very helpful in my subsequent Masters degree in Computer Science from the Quaid-i-Azam University. I went on to get a PhD in Computer Science in 2006, being the first female to obtain a PhD in the subject from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). I am now a full professor at the Computer Science department at the Quaid-i-Azam University. I headed the department for six years, and as per a study conducted in 2022, was the most cited female researcher in the IT field in Pakistan.
I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all my teachers at the college. They were all so good at teaching their subject, so very dedicated, and so very kind. They would check our work, point out mistakes, scold us where needed, and encourage us all the time. It was not just their subject, but we learnt so much from them even otherwise. I remember a mathematics teacher’s lecture on how we should behave and dress when in public. I remember giving notes that I had prepared to our visually impaired Pakistan Studies teacher for review. Her impairment did not stop her from providing very useful feedback on what I had written. I remember how one of our teachers wrote an equation on the blackboard and asked ‘what do you see’? This is how she opened our eyes to the magical world of mathematics. I do so wish that this message of thanks reaches my teachers.
When I entered the Vice Chancellor’s conference hall for the meeting, I saw portraits of Principals. Many of them were known to me. All of them seem to me to be beacons who have illuminated and continue to illuminate the way for so many. I wish this University all the best. May it achieve great heights
Dr. Unaiza (Graduate of 1987)
Naela Chohan (Special Secretary, Foreign Affairs (Retd.) / Former High Commissioner)
My first memory of this college is of our principal Mrs. Shafiq ur Rehman standing in the middle of the lush green gardens in spring with the flowers in full bloom, instructing the Gardner and telling the students not to spoil the flowers. I joined this college in 1980 for FSc and was taught by teachers who were not just experts in their fields but also focused us on grooming our personalities so we can become multi-faceted individuals ready to step into the real world. I still remember our biology teacher late Mrs. Durr-e-Shehwar, Mrs. Rana Farid our physics teacher and Miss Shafqat who taught us chemistry. They were all very punctual and always encouraged us to have inquisitive minds. I still have vivid memories of our urdu teacher Miss Kauser, roaming around the college in her blue shirt paired with a white shalwar and dupatta everyday as she believed that teachers should also have a uniform. My 3rd year was a hard time for me. I was disheartened as I could not get admission in a medical college but with the help of my friends and teachers I gradually adjusted in my new field. My friends and I would get pakoras and naan kebab from Waheed bhai in the canteen everyday and would savour them while discussing our trivial everyday problems. I remember these times like it was just yesterday when we were celebrating Eid Milad-Un-Nabi (SAWW) or holding a funfair in the college grounds.
In 1985, I decided to join this college for MSc in Applied psychology. It was a relatively new Dept but our energetic HOD Mrs. Nighat Mushtaq and her dedicated team (including Ms Shehnaz, Ms Badar and Ms Kiani) worked endlessly for us. Mrs. Nighat would visit Punjab University almost fortnightly. She would get notes photocopied for us as books were not widely available and was always there for us to answer all our queries.
I have a very strong affiliation with this institute and I hope that the dedication and commitment I learned from my teachers over these years, I can now transfer that love for knowledge in my own students.
Rubana Waqar, Associate professor (FG Postgraduate College for Women, Kashmir Road, Rawalpindi)
Saria Tariq (Graduate of Batch 2010-2012 and M.Phil. of Batch 2014-2016)
With a humble beginning, making it to the prestigious Civil Service of Pakistan is the achievement I veritably owe to my alma mater, the home to transformation. Civil Service is one of the most coveted and aspired career choices for many among the youth. For me, the road to this end was not a straight one, but with a sense of purpose and commitment, I did not allow the obstacles to digress me off my dreams and give up on them. Though landing at this Institute as a literature student (having graduated in sciences) appeared as the ready (if not sole) choice available to me then, soon it became clear the decision was the stroke of luck I so desperately needed for the breakthroughs I cherish to this day. Studying at this Institute for last 4 years acquainted me with the world I truly belonged to – a truly life changing experience in real sense of the term. Having been unable to secure admission in Medical Schools despite wasting year after year created a feeling of anguish and worthlessness that was no easy to dispel.
