Annual Magazine  •  SMDC Lahore  •  Volume XI
AXON
Sapere Aude
The Annual Magazine of Shalamar Medical & Dental College
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AXON 2025 Mind Matters: Mental Health in Medicine Sapere Aude — Dare to Know Shalamar Medical & Dental College Volume XI · 11th Edition AXON 2025 Mind Matters: Mental Health in Medicine Sapere Aude — Dare to Know Shalamar Medical & Dental College Volume XI · 11th Edition
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
XI
Volumes Published
2025
Current Edition
9+
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
Mr. Shahid Hussain

The vision behind Shalamar is about creating a place where quality healthcare is accessible and young people are trained to serve with care and compassion. It is encouraging to see that this vision continues to grow through the efforts of our students, faculty, and staff.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the editorial board of Axon. Putting together a publication requires commitment, discipline, and teamwork. Your efforts in presenting the work of your peers are commendable. You have contributed to strengthening the creative environment of the college.

Axon reflects the energy and thoughtfulness of our students. It provides a space to share ideas, experiences, and achievements, and it strengthens the sense of community within the college.

I hope that all of you continue to pursue your goals with sincerity and remain mindful of the responsibility that comes with the profession you have chosen. Carry forward the values of service, integrity, and respect in everything you do.

I wish the team behind Axon continued success.

With best wishes,

Mr.Shahid Hussain

Chairman

Businessmen Hospital Trust Shahid Hussain is a prominent businessman and philanthropist, serving as the CEO of Servis Sales Corporation (SSC), founder of Shahid Hussain Foundation (SHF), and Rector of LUMS.

Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences

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.
XI
Volume
2025
Year
9+
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 2026
AXON Exclusives
Voices of Distinction
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.
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
A Dialogue with Syed Babar Ali
Pakistan’s legendary industrialist on legacy, leadership, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Axon Spotlight: Dr. Muna Ahmad
Students and faculty explore hidden pressures and strategies for maintaining wellbeing.
AXON EXCLUSIVE: THE MRCP PATHWAY | Dr. Waqar Hafeez
Leading faculty on healthcare innovation and the road ahead for Pakistani doctors.
A Dialogue with Syed Babar Ali
Pakistan’s legendary industrialist on legacy, leadership, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Stay Connected
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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

Deadline: 14th May 2026

Interviews will be conducted: 20th May 2026

Past Editions
The AXON Archive