Three Karachi universities unite to advance AI-driven education

Three leading Karachi universities have joined forces to promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence in higher education. IBA Karachi, Aga Khan University and Habib University formalised their collaboration during the Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium 2026, held at IBA’s main campus on Monday.

The symposium, organised under the theme “AI in Pedagogy,” brought together university leaders, researchers, educators and teaching professionals from Karachi, other parts of Pakistan and abroad. Participants examined how artificial intelligence is changing classroom practices while creating new questions about assessment, critical thinking, academic integrity and the role of teachers.

A major development at the event was the signing of a memorandum of understanding among the three institutions. The agreement reaffirmed their intention to cooperate on academic initiatives and pursue innovation in teaching and learning, providing an institutional framework through which educators can share knowledge and develop responses to AI-related opportunities and challenges.

Conference Chair and IBA Office of Academic Quality and Excellence Director Dr Sana Tauseef highlighted the need for universities to work together as artificial intelligence reshapes education. Dr Farid Panjwani, dean of the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development, described the collaboration as an important milestone in efforts to improve teaching and learning through collective action.

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

University of Oslo professor Dr Fazilat Siddiq delivered the keynote address, focusing on critical thinking and learner agency in the age of AI. Her presentation stressed that universities must consider technological knowledge alongside sound teaching methods and subject expertise, rather than treating artificial intelligence as a substitute for the broader educational process.

The symposium also featured interactive sessions, an education-technology innovation showcase, a Visual Voices segment and a student performance. These activities gave participants opportunities to examine practical ideas and compare different approaches to incorporating emerging technology into teaching without losing sight of educational objectives.

The collaboration comes as Pakistani universities face growing pressure to prepare students and faculty for the expanding use of generative AI. Joint initiatives can help institutions exchange expertise, develop more consistent teaching practices and explore ways to protect critical thinking and academic standards while benefiting from new digital tools.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony and 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. The next test for the partnership will be translating the memorandum into sustained academic projects, faculty engagement and practical improvements in university teaching.