Kinnaird College for Women University, through the NHLD, organised an engaging and inspirational professional development session with Saira Kabir, King’s Counsel (KC), United Kingdom, at Hladia Hall. A distinguished Kinnaird alumna and former member of the Kinnaird Council, Saira Kabir returned to her alma mater to share her professional journey, experiences and valuable insights with students.

The session focused on professional competence, confidence, resilience, financial independence, networking, mentorship, sponsorship, workplace challenges, discrimination, and the importance of remaining true to oneself. Her inspiring journey from Kinnaird to a successful legal career in the United Kingdom offered students a meaningful example of how education, discipline, confidence and perseverance can shape a successful professional life.

The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a reading from the Bible, reflecting Kinnaird’s longstanding tradition of inclusivity, respect and harmony. The opening proceedings were followed by the Kinnaird College song and the National Anthem of Pakistan, formally commencing the programme.

Welcoming the distinguished guests and participants, Prof. Dr. Iram Anjum, Principal, Kinnaird College for Women University, highlighted Kinnaird’s long-standing legacy of educating and empowering women. She also emphasised the institution’s enduring relationship with its alumnae and the significance of Saira Kabir’s return to her alma mater, particularly in view of her earlier association with Kinnaird and her service as a member of the Kinnaird Council.

Justice Jawad also shared his thoughts with the audience, reinforcing the importance of education, professional excellence and institutions that prepare young women to enter professional life and contribute meaningfully to society.

Saira Kabir’s Journey from Kinnaird to King’s Counsel

Sharing her personal journey, Saira Kabir reflected on her formative years at Kinnaird and the lasting influence of her teachers. She acknowledged the encouragement and confidence she received during her student years and discussed how these experiences continued to shape her professional career.

Her educational journey included an LLB from Punjab University Law College, followed by professional development in the United Kingdom. She attributed an important part of her success to Kinnaird and its culture of encouragement, highlighting the role of teachers as sources of inspiration and motivation.

Her journey demonstrated how the confidence, discipline and resilience developed during student life can continue to influence professional growth and achievement.

Professional Intelligence Beyond Academic Excellence

One of the central messages of the session was the importance of developing practical professional intelligence alongside academic knowledge.

Saira Kabir encouraged students to understand how their chosen profession actually works, including how to communicate effectively, work with clients, demonstrate competence and establish a reputation for reliability.

Her powerful message to the students was:

“Don’t be book clever; be professionally clever.”

She emphasised that academic qualifications provide an important foundation, but professional success also requires practical understanding, communication skills, competence and the ability to build positive professional relationships.

The Importance of Mentors, Sponsors and Networks

Saira Kabir highlighted the importance of developing strong professional networks and understanding the distinction between mentors and sponsors.

She explained that mentors provide guidance and advice, while sponsors can actively advocate for an individual and help create opportunities. She stressed that supportive professional networks can make a significant difference, particularly for women navigating challenging professional environments.

Students were encouraged to seek guidance, develop meaningful professional relationships and remain open to learning from people around them.

Women, Careers and Financial Independence

A significant part of the session focused on women’s financial independence. Saira Kabir connected earning one’s own income with dignity, autonomy and the ability to make independent choices.

She encouraged students not to limit themselves because of gender and urged them to pursue opportunities whenever they possess the ability and competence to do so.

At the same time, she reminded young women that they do not have to sacrifice every aspect of their lives for their careers or allow their profession to completely define their identity.

She further encouraged successful women to support other women by opening doors, creating opportunities and helping those who follow them.

Confidence, Self-Belief and Choosing Your Battles

Confidence and self-belief were recurring themes throughout the session. Saira Kabir encouraged students not to internalise the opinions of others and to remain confident in their abilities.

She reminded the audience:

“You don’t need everyone to like you.”
She encouraged students to have the confidence to disagree respectfully when necessary, while also recognising that not every battle needs to be fought.

Rather than reacting immediately to difficult situations, students were advised to slow down, assess circumstances carefully and decide strategically which issues genuinely require a response. She highlighted calmness, competence and reliability as essential qualities for building a strong professional reputation.

Navigating Discrimination and Embracing Differences

Addressing challenges faced in professional environments, Saira Kabir acknowledged that discrimination based on gender, religion and disability can be a reality, even in professional settings in the United Kingdom.

She encouraged students to respond strategically to difficult situations rather than allowing discrimination to define their identity.

She also presented difference and diversity as strengths, encouraging students to embrace their individuality instead of constantly attempting to fit into other people’s expectations.

Role Models, Resilience and Giving Back

Saira Kabir encouraged students to learn from different role models without attempting to completely imitate any one individual. She advised them to identify valuable qualities in different people and use these lessons to develop themselves into role models in their own right.

She highlighted hard work, resilience, balance and continuous self-development as qualities that contribute to long-term success.

She also emphasised that success comes with responsibility. Women who reach positions of influence should help other women progress by providing support, guidance and opportunities, thereby contributing to a stronger and more inclusive professional environment.

Interactive Question-and-Answer Session

The formal address was followed by an engaging Question-and-Answer session, providing students with an opportunity to interact directly with Saira Kabir.

Students asked questions about motivation, professional challenges, confidence, discrimination, financial independence, prioritising battles and maintaining resilience throughout a career.

Responding to questions about motivation and self-belief, Saira encouraged students not to internalise other people’s opinions, to believe in themselves and to remain calm under pressure. She reminded them that professional journeys naturally involve both setbacks and achievements and that resilience is essential for long-term growth.

The interactive session enabled students to connect Saira Kabir’s experiences and advice with their own aspirations and future professional concerns.

A Meaningful Connection with Kinnaird

The session concluded with a token of appreciation presented by Kinnaird College and NHLD to acknowledge the contribution of the distinguished guests, including Justice Jawad and Saira Kabir.

The closing moments became particularly meaningful when Prof. Dr. Iram Anjum, Principal, Kinnaird College for Women University, presented Saira Kabir with her Kinnaird Council badge.

As a former Council member, the presentation of the badge symbolised Saira Kabir’s continued connection with Kinnaird and its community. She subsequently joined the newly inducted Council members for photographs, creating a memorable link between Kinnaird’s past and present leadership and celebrating the institution’s enduring relationship with its alumnae.

The inspirational session proved to be an enriching and motivational experience for the Kinnaird community. Saira Kabir’s journey reinforced that professional success is built not only through academic qualifications, but also through competence, confidence, resilience, professional networks, continuous learning and the willingness to support others.

Her message to the young women of Kinnaird was clear and empowering: pursue opportunities with confidence, remain financially independent, embrace your individuality, choose your battles strategically, continue learning, and use your success to create opportunities for others.

The session reflected Kinnaird College for Women University’s continued commitment to empowering women through education, professional development, mentorship and meaningful engagement with its accomplished alumnae.