IBA, AKU and Habib University Join Hands to Rethink Education in the AI Era -

The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, in collaboration with Aga Khan University (AKU) and Habib University, hosted the Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium 2026 at IBA’s Main Campus, bringing together educators and academic leaders to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education.

Held under the theme “AI in Pedagogy,” the symposium gathered academics, researchers and teaching professionals from Pakistan and abroad to discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents for teaching and learning.

In her welcome address, Dr. Sana Tauseef, Conference Chair and Director of IBA Karachi’s Office of Academic Quality and Excellence, highlighted the importance of collaboration among institutions in responding to AI-driven changes in education. Dr. Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU’s Institute for Educational Development, described the event as an important milestone in advancing teaching and learning through collective efforts.

A leadership panel titled “Teaching for Today and Tomorrow: What Should Universities Stop, Start, and Continue in the AI Era” was moderated by IBA Karachi Executive Director Dr. S Akbar Zaidi. The panel featured AKU President Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, Habib University President Wasif Rizvi, Durbeen CEO Salma Aslam, and Beaconhouse National University Vice Chancellor Dr. Moeed W. Yusuf.

A key highlight of the symposium was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) among IBA Karachi, AKU and Habib University, reaffirming their commitment to academic collaboration and innovation in teaching and learning.

The keynote address, “Critical Thinking and Agency in the Age of AI: Time to Re-think Higher Education?”, was delivered by Dr. Fazilat Siddiq, Professor at the University of Oslo, Norway. She highlighted the importance of critical thinking, learner agency and integrating technological, pedagogical and content knowledge into higher education.

The event also featured interactive sessions, an EdTech Innovation Showcase, Visual Voices and a student performance. It concluded with an awards ceremony and closing remarks by AKU Vice Provost for Quality, Teaching and Learning Dr. Jane Rarieya and Habib University Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mohammad Shahid Shaikh, who reiterated the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of higher education. – ERMD

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