National Institute of Psychology

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE ON TRAUMA-INFORMED PARENTING, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALING FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN AFFECTED BY GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
June 8-9, 2026
A team of psychologists from National Institute of Psychology, Centre of Excellence, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad including Prof. Dr. Rubina Hanif team leader, Dr. Irum Naqvi, Ms. Soia Kiran, Ms. Erum Khurram, and Ms. Nur Aneesa successfully conducted a comprehensive two-day psychological workshop at the Family Protection and Rehabilitation Center for Women. The intervention aimed to screen, assess, and equip shelter home residents with vital coping mechanisms. Through a blend of trauma-informed group assessments, clinical interviews, and evidence-based therapeutic sessions, participants were provided a safe space to begin their rehabilitation journey. The workshop commenced with structured participant introductions and mutual trust-building icebreakers to establish psychological safety. A baseline group trauma and psychological assessment was conducted. Staff utilized standardized, culturally adapted screening tools to gauge the collective prevalence of trauma, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among the residents. Detailed Mental State Examinations (MSE) and semi-structured clinical interviews were completed for each participant. These individual sessions allowed clinicians to analyze speech, thought patterns, affect, and cognitive functioning, providing the foundational data required to formulate comprehensive psychological case reports. This extended session focused on group-level therapeutic interventions including stress management, relaxation techniques, and cognitive behaviour therapy to build psychological resilience. Through thorough psychological mapping and immediate therapeutic skill-building, the participants have transitioned from acute vulnerability toward active, self-regulated coping. Implementing the recommended follow-up therapy and staff training will be vital to securing these therapeutic outcomes permanently.

*Interactive session with community/parents on Social Control,
Parenting and Mentoring at Hummak Town, Islamabad
June 10, 2026*

An interactive session on social control, parenting, and mentoring was conducted at Hummak Town, Islamabad, under the Art of Parenting Project of the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR). The session was conducted by Dr. Irum Naqvi (Assistant Professor, NIP, QAU) and Mr. Saad Umer (M.Phil Scholar at NIP). The session was focused on raising awareness regarding positive parenting, child protection, prevention of violence against children, promotion of gender-sensitive attitudes, and fostering stronger family and community support systems for the healthy growth and development of children. The session engaged community members and parents in meaningful discussions on the importance of positive parenting practices, effective mentoring, and the role of social control in promoting healthy family and community environments. Participants explored strategies for strengthening parent-child relationships, fostering positive behavior, enhancing communication skills, and guiding children and adolescents toward responsible citizenship. The session also highlighted the collective responsibility of families and communities in nurturing the social, emotional, and psychological well-being of children. The activity provided a valuable platform for community engagement, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, contributing to the overall objectives of the art of parenting project in promoting child protection, family cohesion, and positive developmental outcomes.

A Cardiovascular Health Seminar
May 14, 2026
A Cardiovascular Health Seminar was jointly organized by the National Institute of Psychology (NIP), Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, and Sarwar Shahida Trust on 14th May 2026 at the National Institute of Psychology, Islamabad. The seminar was conducted to raise awareness regarding cardiovascular diseases, preventive healthcare, and the promotion of healthy lifestyle practices within the community.
The seminar featured keynote addresses and speeches by prominent personalities including Dr. Shoaib Sarwar Hashmi (President, Sarwar Shahida Trust, Gen. Zubair Mehmood Hayat (R) (Patron, Sarwar Shahida Trust), Major Gen Naseer Ahmad Samore (R) ( Friend of Trust, Sarwar Shahida Trust), Ms. Nina Khan Mashriqi (Trustee/Director UK Core Committee, Sarwar Shahida Trust), and Mian Asmatullah Khan (Advocate Supreme Court).
The speakers highlighted the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and stressed the importance of adopting healthy daily habits to prevent heart-related complications. They emphasized the need for regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, routine blood pressure and health monitoring, stress management, and timely medical checkups. Participants were encouraged to make wise food choices by reducing unhealthy dietary practices and adopting healthier eating habits for long-term wellbeing.
The seminar also introduced the mission and healthcare initiatives of Sarwar Shahida Trust through presentations and discussions focused on community welfare and cardiovascular healthcare services. Speakers encourage students to work volunteer for the donations for noble cause. An interactive session was held at the end of the seminar, allowing participants to engage with the speakers and discuss health-related concerns and future community initiatives. The event concluded with the words of thanks by Director, NIP, Professor Dr. Rubina Hanif, followed by group photographs of the guests and organizers.

🌟 Proud Moment for NIP Alumni 🌟
The prestigious NRPU Award Ceremony 2026, organized by the Higher Education Commission in Islamabad, brought great pride and honor to the alumni community of the National Institute of Psychology as two distinguished NIP alumni were recognized among the awardees.
This remarkable achievement reflects the strong academic foundation, research excellence, and professional dedication nurtured at NIP. The recognition of NIP graduates at a national platform highlights the institute’s continued contribution toward advancing psychological research and higher education in Pakistan.
The ceremony, titled “Recognizing Distinguished Pakistani Researchers and NRPU Awardees”, celebrated outstanding researchers from different disciplines across the country.The success of the NIP alumni is a moment of immense pride for teachers, students, and the entire academic community.
Heartfelt congratulations to both award recipients.

Marqa-e-Haq: A Catalyst for National Integration
The National Institute of Psychology (NIP) at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, hosted a landmark symposium titled Marqa-e-Haq: A Catalyst for National Integration on May 7, 2026. The event was organized to commemorate the first anniversary of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos (April 22 – May 10, 2025), a military response Pakistan terms as the “Battle of Truth” against Indian aggression. The symposium aimed to translate a military milestone into a broader discourse on psychological resilience, national cohesion, and counter-extremism. The session was anchored around the theme that truth, resilience, and unity are the foundations of an inclusive Pakistan. The event commenced a formal opening ceremony including Tilawat, Naat, the National Anthem, and Milli Naghma. Keynote address by (Lt. Gen. (R) Muhammad Raza Former Corps Commander/NDU President provided strategic insights. The General provided a security-centric view, stating that India violated existing treaties and "murdered people of Kashmir based on mere suspicion." He asserted that Pakistan successfully communicated its military capability to retaliate against Afghan and Indian threats concluding youth of Pakistan as the first line of defense. Keynote address by Mr. Kashif Irshad, DG KPCVE provided Institutional and shifted focus to socio-institutional reform. He stressed that institutional frameworks (like the KP Hybrid Peace Compact) turn military wins into lasting social peace. Speaker Abdul Rehman from AR Brothers noted that humans are in "misery due to intellect" and that salvation lies in following God. He argued that the Pakistan Armed Forces are successful because they follow divine commands. He warned that spreading unverified information is an indication of hypocrisy. Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Acting VC QAU), the Guest of Honor explained that psychological warfare preceded the actual conflict. He noted that "Twitter strikes" were conducted by India, but Pakistan gained the international high ground by adhering to the Islamic doctrine of war (distinguishing combatants from non-combatants). The event provided recommendations emphasizing the vital role of youth as the "first line of defense in spirit form." They called for eliminating negative tendencies, understanding the Indian agenda to poison youth minds, and establishing political education and leadership programs within academia. Prof. Dr. Rubina Hanif, Director NIP anchored the dialogue within the framework of psychological resilience. She highlighted her research on indigenous intervention programs against radicalization, emphasizing that mental health advocacy and social competence are vital for national stability. The event concluded followed by the distribution of souvenirs and shields among the guest speakers.

🎉 *Alumni Achievement Alert!* 🎉
Our outstanding alumna, *Ms. Dania Javed*, rocked the Fulbright in Action panel discussion on “Sustaining Global Connections & Local Change” on Dec 9, 2025, in Omaha, NE. 💼🌎 She shared powerful insights on applying Fulbright experiences to professional and community impact.

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