The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, in collaboration with Aga Khan University (AKU) and Habib University (HU), brought together academic leaders, educators, researchers and teaching professionals for the Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium 2026, focusing on how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education.
Held at the IBA Main Campus on October 19 under the theme “AI in Pedagogy,” the symposium examined both the opportunities and challenges created by AI for teaching and learning. The event was designed as a collaborative platform for educators to exchange research, classroom practices and ideas on integrating AI into higher education.
Dr Sana Tauseef, Conference Chair and Director of IBA’s Office of Academic Quality & Excellence, stressed the importance of collaboration among institutions as universities respond to the rapid impact of AI on education. Dr Farid Panjwani, Dean of the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development, described the symposium as an important milestone in advancing teaching and learning through collective efforts.
A major feature of the event was 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 panel brought together Aga Khan University President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, Habib University President Wasif Rizvi, Durbeen CEO Salma Aslam and Beaconhouse National University Vice Chancellor Dr Moeed W. Yusuf. The discussion focused on how universities should rethink teaching practices and institutional approaches as AI becomes increasingly embedded in education.
The symposium also marked a new phase of cooperation among the three institutions with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IBA Karachi, AKU and Habib University. The agreement reaffirmed their commitment to academic collaboration, innovation and the advancement of 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 of Higher Education Pedagogy at the University of Oslo, Norway. She highlighted the growing importance of critical thinking, learner agency, ethical judgment and the integration of technological, pedagogical and content knowledge as AI transforms the educational landscape.
The programme included interactive sessions, classroom-focused activities, an EdTech Innovation Showcase, Visual Voices and a student performance. The symposium also featured research and practice-oriented sessions designed to help educators explore practical approaches to teaching in an AI-driven environment.
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The event concluded with an awards ceremony and closing remarks by Dr Jane Rarieya, Vice Provost for Quality, Teaching and Learning at AKU, and Dr Mohammad Shahid Shaikh, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Habib University. The closing session reinforced the importance of cross-institutional partnerships in ensuring that higher education remains responsive to the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence.
