Thursday, 27th November 2025

The Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Islamabad, successfully concluded its thematic event titled “Empowering Speech, Enabling Lives,” celebrating excellence, innovation, and the transformative impact of the speech and language pathology profession. The gathering reflected the department’s strong commitment to advancing clinical practice, academic leadership, and ethical values through meaningful engagement with students, faculty, alumni, and national-level institutions.

The event was honored by the esteemed presence of Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad, Vice Chancellor; Prof. Dr. Asghar Khan, Dean FRAHS; and Prof. Dr. Arshad Nawaz Malik, Principal FRAHS. Their leadership and vision underscored the significance of departmental growth, service-driven clinical training, and the integration of professionalism and compassion within the field.

Prof. Dr. Humaira Shamim Kiyani, HoD Speech and Language Pathology (FRAHS), shared an overview of the department’s growth, including achievements in funded research, high-impact publications, advanced clinical training systems, student research initiatives, and nationwide professional collaborations. She emphasized the department’s dedication to public awareness, community-based intervention programs, strong alumni engagement, and its mission to reduce communication disabilities through research-driven, ethical, and service-oriented practice.

More than 300 participants attended the event, including Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, faculty members, alumni, students, and distinguished guests representing multiple regions across Pakistan. Alumni from Quetta, Chishtian, Chakwal, Sargodha, Mansehra, Swabi, Peshawar, Lahore, and Rawalpindi/Islamabad, many of whom now serve in leadership roles at prominent clinics and institutions, highlighted the department’s strong professional network and its enduring contribution to workforce development in communication sciences.

The program featured several impactful components, beginning with the implementation of RAS Values in academia, presented by Riphah Aspire students through creative visual models. These displays represented Riphah’s ethical framework—demonstrating the integration of integrity, professionalism, and service-oriented practice in shaping responsible and compassionate clinicians.

A major highlight of the event was the inter-institutional poster presentations under the theme “Speech Beyond Boundaries Through AI-Powered Communication.” Students from institutions such as Khyber Medical University, Rashid Latif Medical College, Rehman Medical College, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, and Helping Hand Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences showcased cutting-edge ideas and innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence in communication sciences. Their research emphasized the emerging role of AI in supporting diagnosis, therapy, and accessibility within the field of speech-language pathology.

The event also shined a spotlight on alumni contributions to society, celebrating graduates who continue to lead, innovate, and uphold professional standards across diverse clinical and academic settings nationwide. Their involvement highlighted the department’s ongoing commitment to mentorship, professional development, and community impact.

Overall, National Speech and Language Day at Riphah International University stood as a powerful example of academic excellence, collaboration, and future-focused innovation—demonstrating the Department of Speech and Language Pathology’s dedication to empowering voices, enhancing communication, and enabling lives across Pakistan.