AXON 2025 — Sapere Aude — Shalamar Medical & Dental College

Our Identity & Theme

The Philosophy Behind the Crest

"Sapere Aude — the ethos that calls every student to question boldly, reason independently, and dare to know."

The AXON logo is deeply rooted in both cultural heritage and intellectual philosophy. The five rays featured in the design symbolize the five rivers of Punjab, representing unity, diversity, and the continuous flow of knowledge that shapes our collective identity.

At the heart of the logo lies Shalimar Bagh — an enduring symbol of balance, beauty, and timeless pursuit of excellence. The 2025 edition explores Mental Health in Medicine, giving voice to the unspoken emotional realities of medical training, fostering empathy and a healthier learning environment for the future healers of medicine.

SAPERE AUDE

Dare to Know

Volumes Published

2025

Current Edition

Editorial Board Members

Leadership

Words of Wisdom & Guidance

Principal, SMDC

Prof. Dr. Zahid Bashir

Principal, Shalamar Medical & Dental College

“

I feel honoured to bring forward our Annual SMDC Magazine “AXON-2025”. It is always our wish, and the editorial board seeks to take AXON even further ahead every year, making it better than ever before.

Shalamar Medical and Dental College delivers an enchanted blend of classical and modern educational strategy to undergraduates so that they may achieve excellence while retaining the beauty of the mind and intellect as well as of the soul.

“AXON-2025” will assuredly reap a commendable slot. Good Luck!

— Prof. Dr. Zahid Bashir, Principal SMDC

Patron, AXON

Prof. Dr. MA Wajid

FRCS (Tr & Orth) · Patron, AXON Magazine

“

We are pleased to present to you the latest college magazine. In these pages, as always, you will find the flight of imagination, hopes and aspirations of young doctors in the making. The writings are a unique mixture of science and art!

Over the years, the magazine has grown, but not aged! It is an archive of student’s memories, their hopes and struggles. As Helen Keller said, “The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.”

This year, more submissions than we could print. Keep writing, keep reading.

— Prof. M A Wajid FRCS (Tr & Orth)

AXON

Shahid Hussain

Chairman
Board of Trustees
Shalamar Medical &
Dental College

Chairman’s Message

“This gathering of scholars, researchers, and healthcare professionals reflects our collective aspiration to advance medical knowledge and enhance patient care through meaningful dialogue and collaboration.”

It is with great honor and immense pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to all esteemed guests, distinguished speakers, and participants at Shalamar Medical & Dental College. Since its inception, SMDC has remained steadfast in its mission to cultivate an environment where academic rigor meets clinical proficiency.

Our commitment to nurturing intellectual curiosity, fostering research, and refining professional competencies has positioned us as a leading institution in medical education. The significance of such academic engagements cannot be overstated — they serve as vital platforms for exchanging pioneering ideas, embracing emerging medical technologies, and strengthening professional networks that transcend geographical boundaries.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the delegates, faculty members, and organizers whose contributions and commitments have made AXON a reality. Your presence here underscores a shared vision of progress, learning, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in medical education and practice. May this edition serve as an inspiration for future collaborations and groundbreaking contributions to the field of healthcare.

Current Issue

AXON 2025 — Read Interactively

AXON

Vol. XI · 2025

Mind Matters:
Mental Health
in Medicine

Shalamar Medical
& Dental College
Lahore, Pakistan

Sapere Aude

Volume XI — 2025 Edition

Mind Matters:
Mental Health
in Medicine

This edition explores mental health not only as a clinical subject but as a lived reality for medical students — fostering empathy, balance, and a healthier learning environment for the future healers of medicine.

Volume

2025

Year

Editors

Contents

Chairman’s Message — Shahid Hussain02

Principal’s Message — Prof. Dr. Zahid Bashir04

Patron’s Message — Prof. Dr. MA Wajid06

A Dialogue with Syed Babar Ali12

Dr Karim Damji, Dean AKU16

Mind Matters Features24

Patronage, Editorial, Media & Design Team

Editorial Board 2025

AXON
2025

Group photograph — upload via WordPress media library

Sitting (Left to Right) Maha Jawwad, Prof. Dr. MA Wajid, Prof. Dr. Zahid Bashir, Rana Sikander, Aminah Abdullah

Standing (Left to Right) Hareem Fatima, Laraib Fatima, Mohd Khizar, Sher Ali

Patronage & Editorial Leadership

Patron

Prof. Dr. MA Wajid

FRCS (Tr & Orth) · Patron, AXON Magazine

Chief Editor

Maha Jawwad

With immense pride and heartfelt gratitude, Maha Jawwad led the 2025 edition of Axon — choosing the theme of Mental Health to give voice to the unspoken realities of medical training. Her leadership shaped every page with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

English Editorial Board

Conducted landmark interviews with Syed Babar Ali and Dr Karim F. Damji, Dean of AKU. Overseeing content excellence across the English edition.

Rana M.H. Sikander

English Editor

Bringing creative insight and editorial dedication to every piece of English content in this edition.

Aminah Abdullah

Assistant English Editor

Precision and consistency across every page — sub-editing with rigour and thoughtful attention to detail.

Muhammad Khizar

Sub Editor, English

Creative & Media

Driving AXON's media presence, photography direction, and digital storytelling across all platforms.

Laraib Fatima

Media Head

Crafting AXON's visual identity — layouts, graphics, and the design language of this edition.

Sher Ali

Graphics Head

Urdu Editorial Board

Leading the Urdu editorial voice of AXON 2025 with literary sensibility and dedication to authentic expression.

Syed Saim Mudassar Gillani

Urdu Editor

Contributing depth and authenticity to the Urdu section with commitment and creative voice.

Hareem Fatima

Assistant Urdu Editor

Ensuring precision, consistency, and elegance across the Urdu editorial content of this edition.

Muhammad Ayesha Arif

Urdu Sub Editor

AXON Exclusives

Voices of Distinction

SBA

AXON Exclusive

Founder · LUMS & Packages

Syed Babar Ali

Pakistani Businessman, Philanthropist & Former Caretaker Finance Minister

Born 30 June 1926. Founder of Packages Limited, Milkpak Limited, and LUMS. A landmark dialogue conducted by Prof. Dr. M.A. Wajid, Rana Sikander, and Maha Jawwad — exploring leadership, perseverance, and vision.

KFD

AXON Exclusive

Dean · Aga Khan University

Dr Karim F. Damji

Dean, Medical College, Pakistan · Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

AKU Scientists among the World’s Top 2% — Stanford University, 2024. Dr Damji brings a global perspective on medical education, research excellence, and the future of healthcare in Pakistan.

Video Podcasts

AXON on YouTube

EP. 04

►

42:18

A Dialogue with Syed Babar Ali

Pakistan’s legendary industrialist on legacy, leadership, and the pursuit of knowledge.

EP. 03

►

38:44

Mental Health in Medical School

Students and faculty explore hidden pressures and strategies for maintaining wellbeing.

EP. 02

►

31:20

The Future of Pakistani Medicine

Leading faculty on healthcare innovation and the road ahead for Pakistani doctors.

EP. 01

►

29:05

Life After SMDC — Alumni Speak

Graduates share journeys from house jobs to specialisation and timeless lessons.

JOIN

Open Positions

Join the
AXON
Editorial Board

Are you a passionate writer, photographer, designer, or storyteller at SMDC? Dare to know. Dare to create. Apply for AXON’s editorial board and help shape the next edition.

Writer

Photographer

Graphic Designer

Sub-Editor

Social Media

Video Editor

PR & Outreach

Urdu Editorial

Apply Now