IBA Karachi, in collaboration with Aga Khan University (AKU) and Habib University
(HU), hosted the Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium 2026, themed “AI in Pedagogy,” at IBA Main
Campus. The symposium brought together academic leaders, educators, researchers, and teaching professionals
from Karachi, across Pakistan, and internationally to explore the opportunities and challenges artificial
intelligence presents for higher education.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Sana Tauseef, Conference Chair & Director, Office of Academic Quality & Excellence,
IBA Karachi, emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing AI’s impact on education and
acknowledged the leadership of all three universities. Dr. Farid Panjwani, Dean, AKU-IED, described the occasion
as a significant milestone in advancing teaching and learning through collective efforts.
A leadership panel, “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, IBA Karachi, and featured Dr. Sulaiman
Shahabuddin, President, Aga Khan University; Mr. Wasif Rizvi, President, Habib University; Salma Aslam, CEO,
Durbeen, and Dr. Moeed W. Yusuf, Vice Chancellor, Beaconhouse National University. A key highlight was the
signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IBA Karachi, AKU, and Habib University, reaffirming
their shared 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, University of Oslo, Norway, highlighting the importance of critical
thinking, learner agency, and technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge in higher education.
The symposium featured interactive sessions, an EdTech Innovation Showcase, Visual Voices, and a student
performance. It concluded with an awards ceremony and closing remarks by Dr. Jane Rarieya, Vice Provost,
Quality, Teaching and Learning, AKU, and Dr. Mohammad Shahid Shaikh, Vice President for Academic Affairs,
Habib University, reaffirming the importance of academic collaboration in advancing higher education.
