Importance of sleep in maintaining overall health and productivity highlighted
Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) took a pioneering step in promoting gender equality and holistic well-being by organizing a Seminar to celebrate International Women’s Day and World Sleep Day 2025 at JSMU, Karachi. The event brought together leading experts, policymakers, faculty members and media representatives to address the challenges faced by women in Pakistan while highlighting the often-overlooked importance of sleep in maintaining overall health and productivity.
The event was organized by Distinguished National Professor (HEC) Prof. Muhammad Iqbal Afridi TI, JSMU & Dean, Tony Buzan Academy. It was attended by prominent figures, including Prof. Tipu Sultan, Chancellor of Malir University; Senator Karim Khwaja, Chairman of the Sindh Mental Health Authority; senior faculty members from JSMU and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC); Dr. Shehla Naseem, Secretary of the College of Family Medicine Pakistan; and Prof. Washdev Amar, Head of Psychiatry at DUHS.
Speakers at the event highlighted Pakistan’s persistent gender disparities in education and leadership. Despite female literacy rates rising to 51%, they remain significantly lower than the 72% male literacy rate, emphasizing the urgency of equal access to education. Furthermore, with women occupying only 20% of seats in the National Assembly, discussions focused on breaking systemic barriers and increasing women’s representation in leadership roles to create a more equitable society.
Renowned professional cricket coach and former captain of the Pakistan National Cricket Team M. Younus Khan SI in address highlighted the critical link between peak athletic performance and quality sleep, inspiring attendees to view rest as a key factor in overall success. In recognition of his contributions, he was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Prof. Dr. Iqbal Afridi. He also visited the newly built JPMC Psychiatry ward (Rashid Soorty Building), and appreciated this public-private partnership endeavour. He lauded the efforts and vision of Prof. Dr. Iqbal Afridi TI, Patients Aid Foundation (Mr. Mushtaq Chapra TI and Prof. Tariq Mehmood TI) and JPMC for establishing a state-of-the-art facility in Pakistan.
JSMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Amjad Siraj Memon addressed the audience by stressing the critical need for family planning and population control. He emphasized that empowering women through education, healthcare, and equal opportunities is not just a matter of social justice—it is essential for national progress and economic development.
Prof. Nighat Shah, Head of Ward 9B at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), shed light on the severe health risks faced by women, particularly in rural areas. She pointed out that frequent pregnancies often lead to chronic nutritional deficiencies, severely impacting both mothers and their children. She also raised awareness about the alarming issue of sex-selective abortions, calling for urgent policy interventions to eliminate gender bias and safeguard women’s rights.
Prof. Iqbal Afridi emphasized that sleep is as essential as nutrition and exercise. He warned that sleep deprivation can lead to impaired cognitive function, weakened immunity, and a heightened risk of chronic diseases, urging individuals and communities to adopt healthier sleep habits.
Senator Bushra Anjum Butt (Chairperson, Federal Education and Professional Training) reinforced this message through a video address, urging national efforts to prioritize women’s empowerment and sleep health.
Global leaders, including Raymond D. Keene OBE (Chancellor, Tony Buzan Academy & Global President of BrainTrust UK) and Prof. Ahmed Ali Khan (Vice Chancellor, Tony Buzan Academy & Vice President of Brain Trust – India, Pakistan & Bangladesh), also shared their insights, further emphasizing the event’s critical themes and impact.
The event concluded with distribution of certificates and ajraks to participants, celebrating a commitment to advancing gender equality and health awareness. Through this impactful initiative, JSMU reaffirmed its dedication to building a society where every individual, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to thrive.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Advocating for sleep as a fundamental component of overall health, and SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Addressing gender disparities in education, leadership, and healthcare. By addressing both women’s empowerment and the significance of sleep health, JSMU continues to pave the way for meaningful social change, ensuring a future where equality and well-being go hand in hand.
