Hundreds of young women gathered in Lahore as the Pakistan Martial Arts Association staged the Marka-e-Haq women self defence workshop to mark the initiative’s first anniversary under the slogan “Honor Our Heroes, Empower Yourself”.
The event was inaugurated by renowned karate figures Shihan M. Arshad Jan and Shihan Shakil Ahmed, who underlined the growing necessity of martial arts training for women. PMAA Chief Trainer Sensei Anwar Mohiuddin stressed that women self defence is an essential skill for adolescent girls and women, adding that martial arts build physical strength, confidence, mental resilience and discipline.
The workshop centred on practical techniques and realistic scenarios. Participants practised situational awareness, escape strategies, defensive striking and methods to counter harassment and physical threats, while trainers emphasised quick decision-making and psychological preparedness during dangerous encounters.
A dedicated team of instructors including Sumaiyya, Abdullah Munir, Aliza, Hanzla Chaudhry and Meerab led the hands-on sessions that remained the focal point of the day. The programme blended fitness, combat drills and role-play to ensure trainees could apply lessons in everyday environments across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The exercise was organised in collaboration with IFMSA-Pakistan, The Trust Schools and Shinkyokushinkai Pakistan. Jannat Fatima of IFMSA-Pakistan highlighted the reach of the initiative, noting that hundreds of female medical students and healthcare professionals have already benefited and announcing plans for a Mega Self-Defence Workshop in Lahore later this summer to bring together students from several cities.
The closing ceremony featured medals and certificates, with The Trust Schools claiming four gold medals and top institution honours, Fatima Jinnah Medical University securing second place and Lahore Medical and Dental College receiving a special award for active participation. Participants left the workshop with renewed confidence and a stronger appreciation of how women self defence and martial arts can play a vital role in education and community safety.
