KARACHI: The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, in collaboration with Aga Khan University (AKU) and Habib University (HU), hosted the Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium 2026 on Monday, October 19, bringing together educators, researchers and academic leaders to examine the role of artificial intelligence in higher education.
Held at IBA Karachi’s Main Campus under the theme “AI in Pedagogy,” the symposium focused on the opportunities and challenges AI presents for teaching and learning, with participation from academic professionals from Karachi, across Pakistan and internationally.
Universities Strengthen Collaboration on AI in Education
In her welcome remarks, Dr Sana Tauseef, Conference Chair and Director of the Office of Academic Quality & Excellence at IBA Karachi, highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in responding to AI’s growing impact on education.
Dr Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU-IED, described the symposium as an important milestone in advancing teaching and learning through collaborative efforts among academic institutions.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IBA Karachi, Aga Khan University and Habib University, reaffirming their commitment to academic collaboration and innovation in teaching and learning.
Academic Leaders Discuss Future of Teaching
A leadership panel titled “Teaching for Today and Tomorrow: What Should Universities Stop, Start, and Continue in the AI Era” was moderated by Dr S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA Karachi.
The panel featured Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of Aga Khan University; Wasif Rizvi, President of Habib University; Salma Aslam, CEO of Durbeen; and Dr Moeed W. Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University.
The discussion explored how universities can adapt teaching practices and institutional approaches as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly relevant to higher education.
Keynote Focuses on Critical Thinking in AI Era
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.
Her address highlighted the importance of critical thinking, learner agency and technological, pedagogical and content knowledge in contemporary higher education.
The symposium also featured interactive sessions, an EdTech Innovation Showcase, Visual Voices and a student performance.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony and closing remarks by Dr Jane Rarieya, Vice Provost, Quality, Teaching and Learning, Aga Khan University, and Dr Mohammad Shahid Shaikh, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Habib University.
The speakers reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among academic institutions in advancing teaching and learning in the evolving era of artificial intelligence.