KARACHI: Maryam Israr, a third-year BDS student at Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences (for Girls), has been selected as the institution's “Student of the Year” for 2026, in recognition of her academic commitment, clinical development and international representation of Pakistan.
The award was announced by the Sir Syed dental administration, which recognized Maryam's efforts both as a dental student and as a representative of Pakistan on an international student platform.
From BDS student to Pakistan's international representative
Maryam currently serves as the official representative for Pakistan for the International Association of Dental Students (IADS), an international organization connecting dental students from different countries.
In this capacity, she represented Pakistan at the IADS General Assembly (GA) Dental Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, in April 2026.
The conference brought together dental student representatives from more than 60 countries, giving Maryam an opportunity to represent Pakistan alongside peers from across the global dental student community.
Her international role has added another dimension to her BDS journey, placing her in an academic and student leadership environment beyond her regular studies at Sir Syed College.
Why Maryam was selected for the award
According to the college administration, Maryam is a studious and diligent BDS student who has demonstrated a strong desire to progress both clinically and academically.
Her selection reflects the institution's recognition of students who combine academic commitment with broader professional and leadership engagement.
The administration particularly highlighted her role in representing Pakistan internationally, describing her as an example for other students aspiring to participate in global academic and professional platforms.
Recognition comes during her third year of BDS
Maryam's selection is notable because she is currently in the third year of her BDS programme, meaning her dental education is still underway while she has already taken on an international representative role.
For dental students, opportunities to engage with international student organizations can provide exposure to academic exchange, professional networking and perspectives from dental education systems in other countries.
Her participation in the IADS General Assembly in Baku placed her among student representatives from more than 60 nations and provided an international platform for Pakistan's dental student community.
College principal congratulates Maryam
Prof. Dr H. R. Sukhia, Principal Dental, Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences (for Girls), along with the dental administration, congratulated Maryam on receiving the Student of the Year 2026 recognition.
The principal described Maryam as a role model for students seeking to represent Pakistan at the international level.
The recognition therefore highlights not only an individual student's academic journey but also the growing opportunities for Pakistani dental students to participate in international student organizations and academic forums.
For Maryam, the award adds a new milestone to a BDS journey that has already included representing Pakistan on an international platform—and signals the college's recognition of the combination of academic diligence, clinical ambition and international engagement that she has demonstrated during her training.
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