Friday, 25th September 2026

Riphah International University celebrated World Pharmacists Day 2026 with enthusiasm at the Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (RIPS), Gulberg Green Campus, Islamabad, under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for a Healthier Future.” The event brought together distinguished guests, faculty members, students, and professionals from academia and the pharmaceutical industry to recognize the vital role of pharmacists in healthcare.

The celebration placed particular emphasis on female empowerment, professional development, and leadership, providing students with an opportunity to learn from accomplished women working across academia, research, regulatory affairs, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmacists Day Walk Highlights Unity and Professional Commitment

The celebrations commenced with a Pharmacists Day Walk, in which students and faculty members participated enthusiastically. The walk symbolized unity within the pharmacy community while highlighting pharmacists’ role in promoting safe, effective, and responsible healthcare.

The formal ceremony followed, beginning with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Dr. Umair Ilyas, Director RIPS, welcomed the participants and emphasized the responsibilities associated with becoming pharmacists. He encouraged students to develop professionalism, competence, ethical values, and a commitment to serving patients and communities.

Dr. Sarwat Jameela, Campus Director, Gulberg Greens Campus, delivered an address focused particularly on empowering female students. She encouraged them to build confidence, develop leadership qualities and professional skills, and pursue meaningful careers across different areas of healthcare.

Distinguished Professionals Inspire Students

A major highlight of the event was the participation of three distinguished female professionals representing diverse areas of pharmacy.

Prof. Dr. Kishwar Sultana, Head, Department of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Iqra University, Islamabad Campus, shared insights on career development and professional growth. Drawing on her journey from researcher to professor and department head, she encouraged students to pursue their ambitions with confidence while emphasizing compassion, service, continuous learning, and positive contributions to society.

Dr. Nadia Shamshad Malik, Professor and Head, Pharmaceutics Department, Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST), Islamabad, guided students on continuous skills development, lifelong learning, research involvement, and preparation for future career opportunities. She also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life.

Representing the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Samia Khan, Manager, Regulatory Affairs & QPPV, Lucky Core Industries Limited, shared insights into regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, regulatory compliance, and drug safety. She also encouraged female students to recognize their capabilities and pursue professional opportunities with confidence across regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, industry, and healthcare.

Celebrating Student Achievement and Practical Learning

The event also featured a souvenir presentation and cake-cutting ceremony, providing an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the distinguished guests and celebrate the pharmacy profession collectively.

Student achievements were also recognized during the celebration, with outstanding academic performers from different semesters receiving recognition. In the 6th Semester, Saman Zahra, Sidra Amjad, and Malaika Nawaz Alam secured first, second, and third positions respectively. In the 4th Semester, Khadija Sana, Maryam Zahid, and Natasha Asad achieved the first three positions, while Sumbul Siddiqua, Rubah Noor, and Shandeez Sain secured the top three positions in the 2nd Semester. In the BS Cosmetic Sciences program, Mahnoor Hanif, Sumaira Umer, and Ezza Ranjha achieved first, second, and third positions respectively.

Students also prepared Pharmacists Day stalls featuring practical and community-oriented activities, including medication counselling, BMI assessment, and other health-related services. The stalls allowed students to demonstrate their knowledge and communication skills while highlighting pharmacists’ contributions to patient education, health awareness, medication safety, and preventive healthcare.

Advancing Pharmacy Education and Leadership

The celebration was organized under the Curricular Committee, with Dr. Afifa Shafiq serving as Convenor and supported by Dr. Arooj Komal, Dr. Nukhba Naqi, and Dr. Rehana Sarwat, along with the student organizing team. Their planning and coordination contributed to the successful execution of the event.

The World Pharmacists Day celebration served as a reminder of the pharmacist’s important role in safeguarding public health and advancing the profession through ethics, competence, and continuous learning. By highlighting the experiences and achievements of women in academia, research, and industry, the event also reinforced Riphah International University’s commitment to empowering female students and preparing them for leadership roles in healthcare.

The celebration concluded with students encouraged to pursue excellence in their academic and professional journeys, guided by the values of service, integrity, and dedication that define the pharmacy profession.