In Pakistan, we often speak of women’s empowerment in seminars, conferences, and political speeches. Yet, true empowerment rarely leaves the confines of lofty words. That is why the recent two-day women’s self-defense workshop at Fazaia Medical College (FMC), Air University, in collaboration with the Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA) and IFMSA-Pakistan, stood out as a landmark initiative.
It was not merely an event; it was a declaration that Pakistani women deserve more than sympathy or rhetoric, they deserve the tools to protect themselves, the confidence to walk without fear, and the knowledge that society stands with them. Most of the workshops and seminars are reduced to ceremonial launches, half-hearted sessions, and photo opportunities for publicity. But FMC’s workshop was refreshingly different.
From the very outset, the seriousness was evident. Maj Gen (R) Muhammad Tahir Khadim, HI(M), Principal of FMC, in his inaugural speech, emphasised not only the importance of physical skills but also the mental resilience that young women must carry into their lives. His words, “Every student who attends this workshop will walk out stronger, braver, and better prepared to face the realities of life,” captured the essence of the effort. This was not about ticking a box; it was about building a shield for the nation’s daughters.
What struck me most was the practical orientation of the training sessions. Too often, self-defence workshops descend into choreographed displays of karate kicks and flashy routines. But under the leadership of PMAA President and chief trainer Anwar Mohiuddin, assisted by Faiza Rashid and a team of dedicated female co-instructors, this program focused on real-world scenarios: knife disarming, pistol defense, pressure-point strikes, and situational awareness.
Such training is not about aggression. As Anwar rightly remarked, “Self-defense is not about aggression; it is about survival.” In a society where women face harassment on streets, in transport, and sometimes even within workplaces, these are not just skills, they are lifelines.
The participation added another layer of significance. Students came not only from FMC but also NUST, FAST, NDU, Bahria University, International Islamic University, Air University, and Federal Medical & Dental College. This mix showed that the appetite for empowerment is not confined to one campus or one city, it is a national aspiration.
Several participants shared their statements, and their enthusiasm was palpable. One young woman from FMC admitted: “I never thought I could actually disarm someone holding a weapon. Today, I realized that with the right technique and mindset, it is possible.” Another from NUST described the workshop as “life-changing.” Such voices are a proof of the fact that workshops like this are not supplementary activities, they are urgent necessities.
The presence of professionals from outside the academic world further underlined the workshop’s importance. Ms. Aisha Farrukh and Ms. Sonaina Younus of Serene Air attended as special guests, and their reflections carried immense weight. Aisha announced that Serene Air will soon launch specialized self-defence programs for its female staff in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. This is precisely the kind of ripple effect Pakistan needs. When professional sectors adopt such initiatives, self-defence becomes normalised as a workplace necessity, not an optional hobby. Sonaina’s words summed it up well: “These students are not just learning techniques; they are learning courage.”
The keynote address by Ms. Qurrat-ul-Ain of Pakistan Sports Board was both stirring and thought-provoking. Her statement, “When one woman learns to defend herself, she becomes a beacon of hope for ten others,” resonated deeply.
Courage spreads faster than any skill. When one athlete dives fearlessly, the whole team‘s energy rises. When one woman blocks an assault with confidence, ten others watching will believe they can do the same. Courage, indeed, is contagious, and it is exactly what Pakistan needs today.
It would be naive to view this workshop in isolation from Pakistan’s wider social context. Women here continue to face daily struggles, harassment on buses, lack of safety in public spaces, and, in extreme cases, violent assaults. We cannot change these realities overnight. But what we can do, and must do, is equip women with the ability to stand their ground. Self-defence training is not just about reacting to danger; it is about reshaping the power dynamics of society. It sends a message to potential offenders: the era of helpless victims is over.
While FMC, PMAA, and IFMSA deserve applause for their initiative, the responsibility must now shift to policymakers and institutions. Why should self-defence training remain confined to occasional workshops? Why should only a select few universities offer such opportunities?
It is time for the government, particularly the Pakistan Sports Board, Higher Education Commission, and provincial education ministries, to make self-defence a mandatory part of the curriculum, from secondary schools to universities. If physical education is compulsory, why not self-defence? If we can teach history and algebra as necessities, why not the skills that could one day save a life?
The workshop concluded with a dignified ceremony, certificates in hand, applause echoing in the hall. But for me, the true success was intangible, the confidence on the faces of young women who left knowing they were stronger than when they arrived.
Chief Trainer Anwar’s parting words captured it best: “This should not be the end; it should be the beginning of a movement.” Indeed, this cannot remain a one-off event. It must grow into a national campaign, replicated across schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces.
Self-defense is no longer a luxury in Pakistan; it is a necessity. If we want to build a safer Pakistan, we must empower women not just with degrees and jobs but with the ability to walk fearlessly in their own country. An empowered woman uplifts her family; empowered families strengthen communities; strong communities build resilient nations. This is not just about martial arts. It is about dignity, confidence, and national progress. As long as our daughters feel unsafe, Pakistan cannot truly prosper.
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