Madam Sabiha Shariq
Madam Sabiha Shariq (Late)
💫 In Loving Memory of Madam Sabiha
There are some people whose presence becomes a memory, and yet, that memory feels more alive than most people ever will. Madam Sabiha Shariq was one such soul. Her grace, her calm strength, and her unspoken affection made every student feel seen, valued, and loved.
She belonged to an era when teachers were the true heartbeat of education, when a gentle word, a reassuring smile, or a guiding hand could change a child’s destiny. Her students still remember the grace of her presence, the way she carried herself with quiet dignity, the kindness in her eyes, and the way she made learning feel like a shared journey rather than a task
Even today, those who once sat before her can still feel her guidance in their lives, as if her lessons, softly spoken decades ago, still whisper through the years. Time may have taken her away, but it could never take away her influence, nor the deep affection she left behind.
🌸 A Legendary Educator, A Compassionate Mentor, and a Motherly Figure to Generations of ICBians
There was an era in Islamabad College for Boys (ICB) that now feels almost mythical — an age when teachers were more than educators; they were visionaries, mentors, and guiding lights. They shaped not just minds but hearts. Among those remarkable pioneers stood Madam Sabiha Shariq, a woman whose grace, intelligence, and devotion defined what it meant to be an ICB teacher.
She belonged to a generation of educators who seemed almost unbelievable in their dedication — tirelessly working beyond the clock, nurturing students as if they were their own children. For her students — many of whom have now reached their 60s — her presence still echoes through the corridors of memory. They remember not only her lessons but her affection and the motherly care with which she guided them through their formative years.
🌹 The Spark of Brilliance – Early Life and Academic Excellence
Born with a natural flair for learning, Sabiha Shariq showed brilliance from the very start. She secured 1st position in Matric in District Okara, setting the tone for an extraordinary academic journey ahead.
With her father serving in the army, her early education took her across cities, and she completed her Intermediate and Graduation from Rawalpindi. Her exceptional academic record earned her double promotions in her early years — a testament to her extraordinary intellect and commitment — allowing her to graduate much earlier than most of her peers.
🎓 A Scholar with a Passion for Teaching
Madam Sabiha’s passion for education led her to the Lady Maclegan College, Lahore, one of the most prestigious institutions of its time, where she completed her Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) with high grades. It was clear even then that teaching was not merely a profession for her — it was a calling.
🏛️ The Glorious ICB Era – A Pioneer at 20
In 1968, at the tender age of just 20, Madam Sabiha Shariq joined what was then known as Islamabad Model School (IMS) — later renamed Islamabad College for Boys (ICB). She became one of the pioneers who helped lay the foundation of an institution that would go on to produce countless luminaries of Pakistan.
With her remarkable command over subjects, discipline, and compassion, she quickly became a pillar of the ICB teaching community. Her classrooms were spaces of inspiration, where curiosity was kindled, and values were deeply ingrained.
👩🏫 The Headmistress and the Mentor
In 1990, her excellence was recognized when she was appointed Headmistress of ICB — a role she carried with grace, leadership, and unwavering integrity.
Two years later, in 1992, she requested a transfer to IMCB G-10/4, continuing her teaching journey with the same zeal and commitment. Titles and positions never mattered to her — what mattered was the chance to teach.
🕊️ A Life of Service and Dedication
Throughout her illustrious career, Madam Sabiha Shariq served with honor in multiple capacities:
Controller Exams
Incharge Co-Curricular Activities
Guider (Girls Guides Association)
House Incharge
Under her supervision, ICBians brought laurels to the institution, winning declamation contests, All-Pakistan tableau performances, and singing competitions.
Her classroom was a place of discipline, creativity, and kindness — a combination only few could master. She believed that the foundation of a student’s life was built in the junior years, and therefore, the most senior and seasoned teachers, including herself, were assigned the youngest classes. She not only taught core subjects but also instilled confidence, manners, and values — shaping complete personalities rather than just students.
🌼 The Final Chapter – Retirement and Reflection
In 1998, Madam Sabiha opted for a premature retirement, concluding a career that spanned over three decades of service, love, and leadership. She chose not to pursue any other professional engagement thereafter — perhaps content with the legacy she had already built in the hearts of thousands.
Her students, colleagues, and admirers remember her as a woman of substance — one whose life was devoted to the noble cause of education, and whose wisdom remains etched in the collective memory of ICB.
💖 A Teacher Forever Remembered
Even though she left this world just a year ago, the grief among her students remains deep and heartfelt. For them, she was not merely a teacher — she was a guiding star, a motherly figure, and a symbol of the golden era of ICB.
Those who had the privilege to sit in her class or walk the same corridors during her time will never forget the dignity, poise, and compassion she embodied.
🤲 A Prayer for Madam Sabiha
May Allah Almighty bless the noble soul of Madam Sabiha Shariq with the highest ranks in Jannat-ul-Firdaus. May her countless acts of kindness, her selfless devotion to education, and the love she spread among generations of students continue to earn her eternal peace and reward. Ameen.
Madam Rukhsana Nazir Remembers Mrs. Sabiha Shariq
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.
A Heartfelt Tribute to My One of My Best Friends
“Mrs. Sabiha Shariq”
My heart aches with the memories we shared, dear friend. Though you left us in 2024, your presence, your warmth, and your kindness continue to live on in every soul you touched — as a teacher, as a mentor, as a companion, and as one of the most sincere friends I was blessed to have in my life.
As the poet so beautifully said, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”
You were that beauty — timeless, comforting, and unforgettable. Your artistic spirit, your elegant handwriting, and your refined taste were all reflections of the purity and softness of your heart.
As a wife, you were loving and devoted.
As a mother, you were nurturing and selfless.
And as a friend — you were irreplaceable.
I will forever treasure the moments we laughed together, supported each other, and shared the little joys of life. Those memories are now my comfort, my connection to you, and my reminder of the blessing it was to call you my best friend.
You may have departed from this world, but you will never depart from our hearts.
May your eternal home be filled with love, serenity, and the same beauty that you brought into this world.
Rest in peace, my dear Sabiha. Your light will forever shine. 🌟🙏
Madam Musarrat Naheed Arshad Remembers Mrs. Sabiha Shariq
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.
A Legacy of Grace and Guidance
I will forever remember Mrs. Sabiha Shariq as one of the sweetest and most soft-spoken individuals I have ever known. Tall, graceful, impeccably dressed, and always composed, she carried herself with quiet dignity and warmth. She worked under the supervision of Mrs. Qazi and later under my guidance, before rising to become a Headmistress in her own right
Her years of dedicated service to the Model Institutions were marked by sincerity, humility, and devotion. She guided countless students and colleagues, leaving an indelible mark through her kindness, patience, and wisdom. I witnessed many flourish under her mentorship — for she had that rare ability to nurture with gentleness while inspiring confidence and excellence.
A Prayer for Her Journey
As I remember her today, I find myself reciting this prayer — one that carries all my love and wishes for her eternal peace:
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the sun shine on your back,
May the rain fall soft on your face,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
A Visionary of Art and Expression
Mrs. Sabiha Shariq possessed an extraordinary aesthetic sense that brought life and color to our institution. Her creativity was unmatched — she could transform any space into something vibrant, elegant, and full of character.
She was the heart of the Art Club, guiding students to explore their imagination through color, texture, and design. Her leadership shone most during school functions, where she oversaw stage settings and hall decorations. Every celebration bore her artistic signature — from the delicate arrangement of props to the harmony of colors and themes. Her creativity made every event a reflection of beauty and sophistication.
Her art was not just decoration; it was an expression of devotion — a way of celebrating the spirit of the institution. She taught her students that art was not only about creating but also about feeling, sharing, and inspiring.
A Teacher, A Colleague, A Friend
To speak of Mrs. Sabiha Shariq is to speak of dedication, grace, and an unwavering commitment to the noble profession of teaching. Her greatest legacy lies in the students she inspired, but she also held a special place in the hearts of her colleagues.
Her influence extended beyond the classroom — into the staffroom, in every shared conversation, and in every gesture of kindness. She was the colleague who offered help without being asked, the mentor who guided with empathy, and the friend whose quiet strength uplifted everyone around her.
The heartfelt tributes from her fellow teachers at the time of her retirement were not mere words — they were expressions of genuine love and respect. They spoke of a woman who had touched lives with her sincerity, who had led not through authority, but through compassion.
As I read those messages even now, I see reflected in them the true essence of Mrs. Sabiha Shariq — a woman whose professionalism was matched only by her warmth, and whose memory remains a beacon of beauty, kindness, and inspiration.
The tributes written for her upon her retirement were a testament to her influence — words filled with admiration and affection from those who had learned from her, worked beside her, and grown under her care. Her departure from the institution was felt deeply, but her graceful presence and quiet strength continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
The Colleagues' Tribute: Testimonials of Esteem and Affection
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