The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) celebrated Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with a series of academic, literary, sporting, and community activities held from August 8 to 14, 2026. The celebrations brought together the IoBM community in a spirit of patriotism, unity, and national pride. The celebrations were held under the vision of IoBM’s senior leadership, including Mr. Talib Karim, President; Ms. Sabina Mohsin, Vice President FHE and Chief Advisor; Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, Rector; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif, Dean, College of Business Management (CBM); Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abbas, Dean, College of Computer Science and Information Systems (CCSIS); and Dr. Nadia Ayub, Dean, College of Economics and Social Development (CESD). Though Madam VP FHE and Chief Advisor, Ms. Sabina Mohsin, was on leave, her guidance and vision remained instrumental in the planning and execution of the event.
The celebrations reflected the unity and diversity of the IoBM community, with people from different backgrounds coming together to commemorate the country’s independence. The campus, in many ways, represented a mini-Pakistan united by a shared national identity. This spirit of togetherness also echoed the vision of IoBM’s late Founder President, Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim, who envisioned the Institute as a centre of higher education, learning, and national development.
The activities leading to the August 14 event were supported by Heads of Departments, faculty members, management, and students, with coordinated efforts from the Department of Sports and Student Societies in collaboration with General Administration, IT, MARCOM, Maintenance, Security, and Housekeeping. Their collective efforts transformed the campus into a vibrant setting marked by patriotic enthusiasm, cheers, and applause.
Literary and Sports Activities
August 1: The celebrations commenced with an Essay Writing Competition, where participants expressed their love for Pakistan and reflected on their hopes, aspirations, and sense of national pride through thoughtful and inspiring words. These activities were organized by IoBM’s Literary and Public Speaking Society (LPSS).
August 8: The spirit of Pakistan came alive through poetry at the Mehfil-e-Mushaira, where faculty and management members presented heartfelt verses celebrating the country, its heritage, and cultural richness.
August 10–12: The celebrations moved to the sporting arena with the Faculty and Management Racket Sports Championship. Participants demonstrated their passion, teamwork, and sportsmanship across competitions in table tennis, squash, badminton, and padel.
Independence Day Ceremony
The Independence Day ceremony was held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at IoBM. The event was attended by President IoBM, Senior Leadership, Heads of Departments, faculty members, management staff, students, and their families. The program was hosted by Syed Saaid Ali, a student of BS Media Studies. It commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Humayun Baig, followed by the March-in of the Guards, setting a solemn and ceremonial tone for the occasion.
President IoBM, Mr. Talib Syed Karim, hoisted the national flag, followed by the Guards’ Salute and the National Anthem. The ceremony provided a dignified start to the day’s celebrations and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to the values associated with Pakistan’s independence.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Talib Karim said that celebrating Independence Day was an honor and an opportunity to reflect on the freedom and opportunities available to the people of Pakistan. He described Pakistan as a blessing and emphasized the importance of valuing the homeland and the freedoms it provides. Acknowledging the challenges facing the country, he called for optimism, determination, and collective responsibility. He particularly highlighted the role of youth in addressing national challenges and expressed confidence that Pakistan could achieve greater progress when its youth and leadership worked together with a shared sense of purpose. President IoBM also urged the audience not to take the country’s freedoms and opportunities for granted. He called upon the community to honor the sacrifices and efforts of the Founding Fathers by contributing positively to Pakistan’s development, emphasizing education, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility as essential foundations for national progress.
Pledging for a Greener Pakistan
A tree plantation activity was also conducted by the Senior Leadership, reaffirming their commitment to environmental responsibility. The activity included a pledge to contribute towards keeping Pakistan clean, green, and environmentally sustainable, while encouraging collective efforts to protect the environment.
The Senior Leadership and Heads of Departments visited stalls set up by students, where they interacted with students and alumni and viewed their creative displays and activities. The celebrations concluded with a brunch at the Student Activity Center.
Medals Distribution for the Independence Day Racket Championships
On August 14, 2026, medals were distributed among the winners and runners-ups of the Racket Championships. They are as follows:
Table Tennis — Female (Singles)
Winner: Ms. Neha
Runner-Up: Ms. Maryam Qazi
Table Tennis — Male (Singles)
Winner: Mr. Salman Patel
Runner-Up: Mr. Nasir Ali
Table Tennis — Male (Doubles)
Winner: Mr. Salman Akbar & Mr. Malik Zohaib
Runner-Up: Mr. Nasir Ali, Dr. Najam Farooqi & Mr. Abdul Sajid Khan
Table Tennis — Female (Doubles)
Winner: Ms. Sonia & Ms. Neha
Runner-Up: Ms. Maryam & Ms. Hajra
Badminton — Male (Singles)
Winner: Mr. Salman Akbar
Runner-Up: Mr. Kifayat Ullah
Badminton — Male (Doubles)
Winner: Mr. Kifayat Ullah & Dr. Aslam
Runner-Up: Mr. Salman Akbar & Mr. Malik Zohaib
Badminton — Female (Singles)
Winner: Ms. Fatima
Runner-Up: Dr. Tahniyat
Badminton — Female (Doubles)
Winner: Ms. Fatima & Ms. Neha
Runner-Up: Dr. Umme Laila & Ms. Attra
Padel — Male
Winner: Mr. Salman Akber & Mr. Malik Zohaib Hussain
Runner-Up: Mr. Kifayat Ullah, Mr. Mohsin Khan & Mr. Muhammad Salman
Padel — Female
Winner: Ms. Maryam Qazi & Ms. Hajra Khanum
Runner-Up: Dr. Umme Laila & Ms. Attra
Squash — Male
Winner: Dr. Amir
Runner-Up: Dr. Najam Farooqi
Squash — Female
Winner: Ms. Maryam Qazi
Runner-Up: Ms. Hajra Khanum
These achievements show us that the spirit found in sports—unity, dedication, and resilience—is the same spirit that drives a nation towards greatness.
