Education experts and university heads in Islamabad have said Pakistani universities must bring in modern technology and ensure the responsible, ethical and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—computer systems that can analyse data and generate content—so that higher education improves without harming academic integrity or core educational values.
The message came on 3 November at a Vice Chancellors’ Roundtable Discussion organised by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) as part of the five-day 29th Sustainable Development Goals Conference hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), a policy research body. Vice chancellors and heads of universities from across the country took part, alongside educationists and international specialists.
What speakers said about AI on campus
Participants argued that AI has opened new routes in higher education. Used well in teaching, research and day-to-day administration, they said, it can raise academic standards, research output and what students learn. At the same time, they placed ethical principles, transparency, accountability and academic honesty at the top of any plan to deploy the technology.
They described AI as a supporting tool for teachers and students, not a replacement for human thinking, creativity or intellectual effort. Excessive reliance, they warned, could weaken students’ independent thinking and research skills. Universities, they added, therefore need clear policies and guidelines for appropriate and responsible use.
Training, curriculum and skills
Experts also called teacher training suited to modern needs, curriculum reform, stronger research facilities and wider digital skills among students indispensable. They said building critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and awareness of the ethical use of technology is urgent for the sector.
AIOU’s distance-learning view
AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood said AI is already helping make distance education more effective and is giving students better academic support. He stressed that responsible and ethical use remains essential if institutions are to protect academic integrity, creative thinking and educational values while gaining from the technology.
The roundtable included SDPI Executive Director Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri; Beaconhouse National University Vice Chancellor Dr. Moeed Yusuf; Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology Rector Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid; Dr. Aneel Salman of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute; Fatima Jinnah Women University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza; University of Sindh Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Mari; Prof. Dr. Aneela Kamal of Women University Azad Jammu and Kashmir; and Prof. Dr. Mustansar Ali Aznfar of the University of East London, who joined online. Dr. Fareeha Armughan moderated the session.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Islamabad mein university heads ne kaha ke campuses modern technology aur AI ko istemal karein. Magar ye istemal zimmedari aur ethicaal principles ke sath hona chahiye taake padhai behtar ho aur cheating ya values ka nuqsan na ho. Unhone kaha AI teacher aur student ki madad kare, sochne ki jagah na le. Students ke liye iska matlab ye hai ke universities rules banayengi aur skills aur critical thinking par zor dein gi.
