KARACHI: At a time when Pakistan’s higher education sector is under increasing pressure to produce not just graduates—but leaders, thinkers, and innovators—a powerful shift is quietly taking shape inside academic institutions.
In a significant move toward redefining faculty development and academic leadership, Sohail University, in collaboration with Jinnah Medical & Dental College, hosted a high-impact mentorship training workshop titled “Pulse of Mentorship: Strategies to Lead and Empower.” The initiative was conducted under the Higher Education Commission Pakistan Mentoring Program for Universities, signaling a broader national push to institutionalize mentorship in academia.
But this was not just another training session—it was a statement about the future of education.
Why mentorship is becoming a national priority
Across Pakistan, universities are increasingly recognizing that academic excellence alone is not enough. Faculty members must also serve as mentors—guiding students, shaping careers, and fostering critical thinking.
This workshop addressed a crucial gap: while mentorship is widely expected, it is rarely formally taught.
Led under the supervision of Chairperson Mentoring Committee Dr Shaista Emad and HEC focal person Prof. Dr Nasim Karim, the session brought together mentors from across the institution to build structured, effective mentoring practices.
The goal was clear—move from informal guidance to impactful, outcome-driven mentorship.
Inside the workshop: from theory to real-world mentoring
The training was facilitated by Prof. Dr Marium Iqbal, whose interactive and experience-driven approach set the tone for the session.
Rather than relying on lectures, the workshop focused on:
- Real-life mentoring scenarios
- Practical problem-solving strategies
- Interactive discussions and peer learning
- Tools to handle complex mentor-mentee dynamics
Participants were encouraged to share their own experiences, challenges, and insights—creating a collaborative environment that went beyond traditional classroom learning.
This hands-on format ensured that attendees didn’t just understand mentorship—they experienced it.
Building stronger mentor-mentee relationships
One of the central themes of the workshop was strengthening the mentor-mentee relationship—a cornerstone of effective education systems worldwide.
Faculty members explored strategies to:
- Communicate more effectively with mentees
- Identify individual student needs and challenges
- Provide career and academic guidance
- Foster trust, motivation, and accountability
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In doing so, the session emphasized that mentorship is not just about supervision—it is about transformation.
A shift toward leadership-driven education
The workshop reflects a growing shift in Pakistan’s academic landscape—from content delivery to leadership development.
By equipping educators with mentorship skills, institutions like Sohail University and Jinnah Medical & Dental College are positioning themselves at the forefront of this transformation.
The initiative aligns with HEC’s broader vision of creating universities that not only educate but also nurture future leaders through structured guidance systems.
Impact beyond the classroom
The implications of such mentorship programs extend far beyond faculty development.
Strong mentorship frameworks can lead to:
- Improved student performance and retention
- Better career guidance and professional readiness
- Enhanced research culture and collaboration
- Stronger institutional reputation
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For a country aiming to compete globally in education and healthcare, these outcomes are critical.
A step toward a more empowered academic future
The session concluded with renewed energy among participants, many of whom expressed commitment to adopting more structured and impactful mentoring approaches.
The core message—Empower, Guide, Inspire—resonated strongly, reinforcing the idea that mentorship is not an optional skill but a fundamental responsibility in modern education.
As Pakistan’s higher education sector evolves, initiatives like this highlight a clear direction: the future belongs to institutions that invest not just in knowledge, but in people.
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