Madam Surriya Shuja Qazi (Late)
Headmistress
Madam Surriya Shuja Qazi
Founding Headmistress – Islamabad Model School (IMS) / Islamabad College for Boys (ICB)
Born 27 September 1925 – A Legacy That Built Generations
1. Introduction: The First Lady of ICB
Madam Surriya Shuja Qazi stands tall as one of Pakistan’s most distinguished educationists—an educator whose intellect, leadership, and unwavering commitment laid the very foundations of what became Islamabad’s premier educational institution, Islamabad Model School, later upgraded to Islamabad College for Boys (ICB).
Her 45 years in education, including 19 transformational years as Headmistress of ICB Junior Section, positioned her as the guiding force behind the academic culture of excellence that still defines ICB today. She was not only its first Headmistress but the woman who shaped generations of educators, administrators, and students—making her rightfully remembered as the No.1 Lady of ICB.
Her autobiography, “My Memoirs,” beautifully captures the journey of a remarkable academician whose influence continues to grow, touching lives across Pakistan and abroad. Through her words, her values, and her extraordinary career, Madam Surriya Shuja Qazi’s legacy remains alive—guiding, inspiring, and forever illuminating the path of education.
She had a remarkable gift for turning simple interactions into lifelong lessons, often wrapped in gentle humour and profound insight.
May Allah grant her soul eternal peace and elevate her among His most blessed.
2. Early Life and Education
Date of Birth: 27 September 1925
Birthplace: Campbellpur (Attock), Pakistan
Madam Shuja Qazi’s academic journey reflects her devotion to excellence:
B.A. — Bachelor of Arts
B.T. — Bachelor of Teaching
Workshop in Teacher Education
United States Education Foundation in Pakistan (1954)
Fulbright Fellowship in Teacher Education (1959–1960)
Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
– Specialization in Supervision and Administration of Junior Schools
International Teachers Programme (1959)
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare,
Northwestern University
Senior Educationists Study Tour – United Kingdom (1979)
Selected by United Nations to observe British Education Systems and Special Education Institutions
Her world-class training equipped her with rare expertise,
skills she later used to build Islamabad’s first model school system.
3. Professional Journey: A Career That Built an Institution
Early Teaching Career
Madam Shuja Qazi began her teaching in 1954 at Sir Syed School for Girls, Rawalpindi.
In 1956, she became one of the pioneering teachers at the newly established Viqarun Nisa Noon Girls School, Rawalpindi.
Her brilliance soon attracted recognition, earning her the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship in 1959.
4. Founder Headmistress of IMS/ICB (1966–1985)
The Woman Who Built the Foundation of Islamabad’s Education System
In 1966, after a competitive national selection, Madam Shuja Qazi was appointed the Founding Headmistress of Islamabad’s very first model school, Islamabad Model School (IMS)—a historic institution that later became Islamabad College for Boys (ICB).
For 19 years, she transformed the Junior Section into an exemplary institution known for:
academic discipline
teacher training
organizational excellence
character-building
high educational standards unmatched in the capital
This era is widely regarded as the golden period of ICB Junior Section, due entirely to her leadership.
5. Mentor of Mentors: Training the Great Teachers of ICB
Training the Great Teachers of ICB
One of Madam Shuja’s greatest and most enduring contributions was her extraordinary ability to identify, mentor, and develop teachers with precision and care. She possessed a rare gift for recognizing potential long before others could see it. With patience, vision, and a deep sense of responsibility, she nurtured countless educators who would go on to shape generations of students.
Many of ICB’s most respected junior section teachers were not just supervised by her—they were personally trained, groomed, and transformed under her guidance. She invested in them wholeheartedly, offering not only professional direction but also moral support, intellectual encouragement, and confidence-building mentorship. For many, she was the defining force that helped them discover their true calling in the field of education.
Her refined intellect, administrative brilliance, and profound understanding of child psychology allowed her to build a faculty that was strong, cohesive, and deeply aligned with the values she believed in. She understood how children learned, how teachers grew, and how institutions thrived—and she wove all of this into the very fabric of ICB’s culture. The teachers she trained carried forward her discipline, her clarity of purpose, and her unwavering commitment to academic and moral excellence for decades.
Madam Shuja did far more than lead a school—
she cultivated a legacy, shaped a philosophy, and established a culture of teaching excellence that became the hallmark and pride of ICB. Her influence continues to echo through every classroom, every teacher she nurtured, and every student who benefitted from the institution she strengthened with her life’s work.
6. Administrative Experience and Later Career Headmistress – ICB Junior Section
Headmistress ICB – 1966 to 1985 (19 Years)
A defining era marked by outstanding productivity, visionary institution-building, and the creation of foundational systems that shaped the very identity of ICB.
During these nineteen years, Madam Shuja Qazi worked with unwavering commitment, setting new academic standards and administrative structures that became models for educational institutions across the region. This period was not simply a span of service—it was a transformational phase in which she strengthened the school’s discipline, elevated its teaching quality, and introduced organizational frameworks that continued to function long after her tenure.
These were the years when policies were refined, departments were structured, teachers were trained, and students were molded with principles that carried the institution forward for decades. Her leadership brought clarity, order, and excellence to every corner of the school.
This 19-year journey stands as a testament to her vision:
a time when ICB evolved from a growing institution into a well-established academic powerhouse, guided by her wisdom, foresight, and unmatched dedication.
Principal – Beaconhouse Public School (Girls Branch), Rawalpindi
Founder Principal of the Girls Branch: Later served as Chapter Head for three Beaconhouse branches in Satellite Town, Rawalpindi. She retired from formal teaching in December 1996, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
7. Madam Shuja Qazi’s Skills as an Administrator
Madam Shuja was not just a teacher—
she was one of Pakistan’s most sophisticated educational administrators.
Her Administrative Mastery Included:
1. Institutional Development & System Design
Built the foundational structure of IMS/ICB from scratch
Introduced systematic procedures for academics, discipline, and student welfare
Designed curriculums aligned with international standards
2. Teacher Training & Faculty Development
Personally mentored junior teachers with precision, empathy, and high expectations
Introduced modern teaching techniques acquired from the U.S. and U.K.
Created a faculty culture emphasizing discipline, integrity, and professionalism
3. Leadership Based on Integrity
Led with dignity, fairness, and moral clarity
Empowered teachers to grow while maintaining high standards
Ensured that every student was treated with respect and equal opportunity
4. Implementation of Global Best Practices
With advanced training from the USA and UK, she:
introduced child-centered teaching methodologies
improved classroom management techniques
modernized administrative systems
implemented special education understanding long before it became common in Pakistan
5. Excellence in School Discipline & Student Development
Built an environment of respect, order, and academic seriousness
Focused heavily on character-building and ethics
Ensured that ICB graduates were well-prepared for national and global success
6. Visionary Long-Term Planning
Saw ICB not just as a school but as a model institution for the federal capital
Laid policies, structures, and culture that sustained ICB’s excellence for decades
In essence, her administration combined vision, discipline, global exposure, and human empathy—a rare blend that made IMS/ICB the best government institution in Pakistan.
8. Contributions Beyond ICB
Madam Shuja Qazi remained active in women’s education and empowerment throughout her life:
Life Member – Pakistan Federation of University Women (since 1959)
Member – Pakistan Business and Career Women Association (Rawalpindi & Islamabad, since 1962)
9. Legacy
Madam Surriya Shuja Qazi’s legacy is one of leadership, excellence, and true nation-building. Her decades of service shaped not only an institution but an entire generation of Pakistan’s brightest minds. Thousands of her students—now serving as doctors, engineers, military officers, civil servants, educators, entrepreneurs, and global professionals—stand as living tributes to her vision, discipline, and commitment to education. Their achievements continue to reflect the strength of the foundation she built.
She is remembered as:
A pioneer educator
A woman far ahead of her time, who introduced modern academic standards, progressive discipline, and a culture of purpose-driven learning.
A builder of institutions
Her role in strengthening the academic and administrative framework of ICB transformed it into one of the most respected educational institutions in the capital.
A mentor to mentors
Generations of teachers credit her for shaping their careers, confidence, and teaching philosophies. She not only taught students—she created educators.
The First Lady of ICB
A title earned through decades of unmatched service, grace, and command. Her leadership became synonymous with the identity and prestige of the institution.
What Madam Rukhsana Nazir says
Madam Rukhsana Nazir joined ICB on January 5, 1971, under the guidance of Headmistress, Mrs. Surriya Shuja Qazi. Together with a team of devoted teachers, she built a culture of teamwork, creativity, and excellence and made ICB great.
Mrs. Surriya Shuja Qazi, Headmistress of Islamabad College for Boys, was a beacon of inspiration—guiding teachers and students alike with her compassionate heart and exceptional leadership. A true mentor, role model, and friend, she showed that kindness, intelligence, and strength can coexist beautifully. Her warmth and infectious smile made everyone feel seen and valued, reflecting her remarkable character. I remember attending a high-level function where many asked, “Who groomed you?” I mentioned two names. First, my mother—may her soul rest in eternal peace in Jannat-ul-Firdaus, whose love, guidance, and discipline shaped me. Second, my headmistress, Mrs. Surriya Shuja Qazi, who groomed me in the educational system with sophistication, dignity, and unwavering confidence. Her elegance, approachability, and ability to nurture students’ talents left an indelible mark on my life. A shining example of leadership, compassion, and dedication, she inspired generations. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, shaping me into a confident, empathetic, and driven individual. With wisdom, kindness, and grace, she touched hearts and inspired souls. My heartfelt prayer for her eternal peace reflects the deep love and respect I have for her. May her memory remain a guiding light for all of us who were fortunate to learn under her guidance. Ameen. 🙏💕
What Madam Naheed Arshad Says
Madam Musarrat Naheed Arshad joined ICB in 1968, under the guidance of H.H. Siddiqui, the founding principal. Mentored by the first Head Mistress, Mrs. Suraiyya Shuja Qazi, she helped shape ICB’s early traditions and teaching culture.
What Madam Shehnaz Ellahie Says
Madam Shehnaz Ellahie stands among the most respected names in the history of Islamabad College for Boys (ICB) — a true pioneer whose devotion to education helped define the institution’s early years.
Her contribution extended far beyond the classroom. By establishing Islamabad’s first-ever Nursery in 1970 and training future teachers, she laid the foundation for structured early education in the capital. Over the decades, her influence spread nationally and internationally — yet her heart always remained with ICB, where her journey began.
Madam Shehnaz Ellahie is not just a name in ICB’s history — she is a chapter of pride, a beacon of inspiration, and a reminder that true educators leave footprints not in sand, but in souls.
What Madam Madam Bilqees Saifuddin Says
Madam Bilqees Saifuddin
Teacher in the junior section of ICB from 1972-2000.
Tributes to Madam Shuja from ICBians
ICBian Aasiya Rafique
Madam Shuja Qazi was a remarkable personality—graceful, dignified, and naturally commanding. Her presence carried an unmistakable aura, one that left a lasting impression on everyone who met her. She nurtured in us the moral values, discipline, and integrity that shaped our character long after we left her guidance.
A true embodiment of elegance, confidence, and principled leadership, she stood apart as an example of what strength with refinement truly looks like. Her influence continues to live within the generations she mentored, taught, and inspired.
May Allah bless her soul with eternal peace.
ICBian Dr. Rakhshinda Perveen
The greatest teacher, administrator, and principal—an extraordinary woman whose presence shaped countless young lives. She carried an excellent memory, knowing each student not just by name but by heart, recognizing their strengths, their struggles, and their potential. Her beautiful handwriting reflected the elegance of her character, and her personality filled every room with warmth, dignity, and strength.
She was my very first image of what a true power woman looks like—firm yet kind, disciplined yet compassionate, and inspiring in every possible way. Her guidance extended beyond academics; she taught us values, confidence, and integrity simply through the way she lived her life.
ICBian Sadia Malik
Grace, wisdom, and strength—Madam Shuja Qazi embodied all of these with effortless dignity. She was the kind of leader whose presence alone inspired excellence, a woman who stood tall not through authority, but through character. Her ability to guide, nurture, and uplift every student and colleague made her more than an administrator; she was a beacon of discipline, compassion, and integrity.
She had a remarkable gift for turning simple interactions into lifelong lessons, often wrapped in gentle humour and profound insight.
May Allah grant her soul eternal peace and elevate her among His most blessed.
ICBian Ismat Mustafa
Eloquent, elegant, confident, and iconic—she was truly an institution within an institution. I once visited her in Satellite Town with Abbu Jan, and her exceptional hospitality, paired with her thoughtful conversation on societal norms of that time, left a lasting impression. She gifted my father a book beautifully capturing her life as an educationist, filled with cherished memories and rare black-and-white photographs.
From my father’s diaries and albums, I found similar treasures—moments from the wonderfully managed tours and gatherings of the principals of Islamabad’s early model schools. Their deep literary discussions, gentle laughter, and dignified companionship still leave a lasting, positive imprint on my mind.
✨ A Gift of Wisdom from Headmistress Madam Shuja Qazi — Presented with Tribute by ICBian Nasir Subhan
On behalf of the entire ICBian family, I am humbled to share something truly precious — a timeless treasure entrusted to me by the legendary Headmistress Madam Shuja Qazi. This handwritten manuscript is not just a memory; it is a gift that belongs to every ICBian, present and future. It represents the golden spirit of our institution and the monumental influence of one of its greatest educators.
Among the many unforgettable memories connected to Islamabad College for Boys, this handwritten manuscript from Madam Shuja Qazi stands apart in its beauty, sincerity, and meaning. I am deeply honoured to preserve it — not for myself alone, but for all those who were shaped by her remarkable presence.
Holding this page is like holding a fragment of ICB’s finest era.
Every stroke of her pen reflects the grace with which she taught, guided, and uplifted generations of students. To her, education was never confined to a syllabus — it was a mission to refine character, instill discipline, and awaken purpose.
This manuscript is more than writing; it is a symbol of her trust, her vision, and the enduring bond she shared with her students. It reminds us of a time when educators didn’t simply instruct — they transformed, nurtured, and built futures with sincerity and strength.
By sharing this priceless piece of history, I hope that future ICBians will understand what true mentorship looked like. The legacy of ICB is not measured in buildings or dates, but in the handwritten wisdom, heartfelt memories, and timeless values passed from teacher to student with love, dedication, and integrity.
This manuscript from Madam Shuja Qazi will forever remain a cherished part of our collective ICBian heritage — a reminder of her towering influence, her unwavering devotion, and the unparalleled standard she set for what it truly means to be an educator.
O Allah, Lord of Mercy and Forgiveness,
We humbly ask You to shower Your endless blessings upon our respected Headmistress Madam Shuja Qazi.
Ya Allah, pardon her shortcomings, elevate her ranks, and grant her a resting place filled with light, peace, and Your divine protection.
O Allah, reward her for every student she guided, every heart she strengthened, and every value she instilled with sincerity and dedication.
Grant her Jannat-ul-Firdous, the company of the righteous, and eternal comfort in the Hereafter.
Accept this humble prayer offered with love, respect, and deep gratitude…
— Nasir Subhan
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