Karachi – IBA Karachi in collaboration with Aga Khan University (AKU) and Habib University (HU) – has hosted the Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium 2026, themed “AI in Pedagogy”, at the IBA Main Campus. The landmark event held on Monday, October 19, convened academic leaders, educators, researchers, and teaching professionals from across Pakistan and international institutions to address the strategic opportunities and structural challenges artificial intelligence introduces to higher education.
Fostering Strategic Institutional Collaboration
Opening the symposium, Dr Sana Tauseef, Conference Chair and Director of the Office of Academic Quality and Excellence at IBA Karachi, underscored the vital role of cross-institutional partnerships in navigating AI’s impact on modern pedagogy while commending the joint steering leadership of all three universities. Dr Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU-IED, characterised the gathering as a definitive milestone in advancing collective teaching practices and academic quality standards.
Executive Panel Addresses Future-Focused Pedagogy
A high-level executive panel titled “Teaching for Today and Tomorrow: What Should Universities Stop, Start, and Continue in the AI Era” provided key strategic insights. Moderated by Dr S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA Karachi, the discussion featured prominent leadership figures, including 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.
Tripartite Accord Signals Long-Term Academic Innovation
A central highlight of the symposium was the formal execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IBA Karachi, AKU, and Habib University. The landmark agreement solidifies a strategic tripartite commitment to joint academic innovation, shared resource development, and pedagogical advancement across the higher education sector.
Re-evaluating Critical Thinking in the Digital Age
Delivering the keynote address, “Critical Thinking and Agency in the Age of AI: Time to Re-think Higher Education?”, Dr Fazilat Siddiq, Professor at the University of Oslo, Norway, addressed the imperative of preserving learner agency and critical analysis. The presentation outlined essential frameworks integrating technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge to safeguard academic rigour alongside digital integration.
AI in Pedagogy: Showcasing EdTech Innovation and Future Outlook
The AI in Pedagogy conference agenda incorporated interactive workshops, a dedicated EdTech Innovation Showcase, visual exhibition sessions, and a student performance. The proceedings concluded with an official awards ceremony and closing remarks delivered by Dr Jane Rarieya, Vice Provost for Quality, Teaching and Learning at AKU, alongside Dr Mohammad Shahid Shaikh, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Habib University, both reiterating the vital necessity of sustained collaboration to drive academic competitiveness.
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