n a country still healing from the scars of the Army Public School (APS) tragedy, remembrance cannot remain confined to ceremonies alone. True tribute lies in action, action that strengthens society, empowers youth, and ensures that future generations are better prepared to protect themselves. The Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA) demonstrated exactly this philosophy through a thoughtfully designed self-defense workshop at CMH Lahore Medical College (LMC), held in collaboration with IFMSA-Pakistan’s CMH Local Council.

More than a routine training session, the workshop stood as a symbol of resilience, awareness, and empowerment, particularly for young women pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, and allied health sciences. These future doctors and healthcare professionals are not only healers of society; they are increasingly vulnerable to harassment and violence in public and professional spaces. Preparing them for self-defense is no longer optional, it is essential.

Organised in remembrance of the APS martyrs of Peshawar, the workshop brought together students from MBBS, BDS, DPT, and Nursing programs, with both male and female participants actively engaging in the training. The initiative reflected a powerful message: the tragedy of APS must inspire proactive measures to safeguard Pakistan’s youth rather than remain a chapter of grief alone.

Addressing the participants, Maj Gen Prof. Dr. Salman Saleem (Retd), HI (M), highlighted the urgency of self-defense education in today’s social and security landscape. He praised PMAA for its sustained efforts in youth empowerment, particularly its targeted programs addressing women harassment and child abuse. Reaffirming institutional support, he assured that CMH Lahore Medical College would continue to provide a platform for such socially impactful initiatives.

At the heart of PMAA’s nationwide mission stands Chief Trainer and President Anwar Mohiuddin, whose work over the years has transformed martial arts into a tool for social change rather than mere physical training. His vision is clear: self-defense education must reach classrooms, campuses, and communities, especially women and children.

Under his leadership, PMAA has established a structured, professional training network across Pakistan, delivering practical self-defense programs in schools, colleges, and universities. These programs are not symbolic demonstrations; they are skill-based, scenario-driven, and designed for real-world application.

What sets Anwar Mohiuddin’s approach apart is his deep understanding of women’s vulnerabilities in Pakistani society. By focusing on female students, particularly future female doctors, PMAA addresses a critical gap. Medical professionals often work long hours, commute independently, and face heightened exposure to unsafe environments. Equipping them with self-defense skills is, in essence, safeguarding the backbone of Pakistan’s healthcare system.

The workshop featured hands-on training in unarmed self-defense techniques, enabling participants to counter physically stronger attackers through leverage, balance, and awareness. Equally significant was the introduction to gun disarmament techniques, an advanced yet vital skill given contemporary urban threats.

Trainers Chaudhry Hanzla, Aatika Sattar, and Qitlaq Imtiaz worked alongside Anwar Mohiuddin to ensure that the sessions were practical, engaging, and psychologically empowering. Participants were not only taught techniques but also trained to build situational awareness and mental readiness, often the first line of defense.

The presence of PMAA’s newly elected Chairman, Muhammad Shahzad Mughal, as chief guest further reinforced the organisation’s commitment to youth empowerment at a national level. Legal professionals Tayyaba Babar Advocate and Shehzeen GH Advocate also attended, highlighting the multi-sectoral relevance of self-defense education.

On behalf of IFMSA-LMC/LC, floral bouquets were presented to the Chairman, who reiterated PMAA’s resolve to expand such initiatives nationwide. Anwar Mohiuddin also acknowledged the collaborative spirit of IFMSA-Pakistan and commended the dedication of the organising committee, whose meticulous efforts ensured the workshop’s success.

As the workshop concluded, one message resonated clearly: self-defense education is not about fear, it is about confidence, preparedness, and empowerment. PMAA’s work under Anwar Mohiuddin exemplifies how structured martial arts training can contribute meaningfully to women empowerment, youth protection, and social resilience. In honoring the APS martyrs, PMAA chose the most powerful tribute possible, building strength where it matters most, in the hands and minds of Pakistan’s future.

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