Karachi: IBA Karachi, Aga Khan University (AKU), and Habib University (HU) jointly hosted the Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium 2026, focusing on the theme "AI in Pedagogy," at the IBA Main Campus. The event drew academic leaders, educators, researchers, and teaching professionals from Karachi, across Pakistan, and internationally, all of whom gathered to discuss the potential and challenges artificial intelligence presents for higher education.
According to Center For Information and Communication Technologies, Dr. Sana Tauseef, Conference Chair & Director at the Office of Academic Quality & Excellence, IBA Karachi, underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing AI's influence on education. She acknowledged the leadership roles of the three universities involved. Dr. Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU-IED, remarked on the symposium's significance in progressing teaching and learning through joint efforts.
The symposium included a leadership panel titled "Teaching for Today and Tomorrow: What Should Universities Stop, Start, and Continue in the AI Era." The panel, moderated by Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA Karachi, featured prominent figures such as Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of Aga Khan University; Mr. Wasif Rizvi, President of Habib University; Salma Aslam, CEO of Durbeen; and Dr. Moeed W. Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University. A notable moment was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the universities, reinforcing their commitment to academic collaboration and innovation.
Dr. Fazilat Siddiq, Professor at the University of Oslo, Norway, delivered the keynote address, "Critical Thinking and Agency in the Age of AI: Time to Re-think Higher Education?" emphasizing the need for critical thinking, learner agency, and comprehensive knowledge in higher education.
The event also included interactive sessions, an EdTech Innovation Showcase, Visual Voices, and a student performance. It concluded with an awards ceremony and closing remarks from Dr. Jane Rarieya, Vice Provost of Quality, Teaching, and Learning at AKU, and Dr. Mohammad Shahid Shaikh, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Habib University, who both emphasized the importance of academic collaboration in advancing higher education.