KARACHI, Feb 13 (APP): Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not merely a technology of the future but has already become an unavoidable reality of the present, with its impact being strongly felt across all spheres of life. AI is playing an effective role in fields such as engineering, medicine, and healthcare, and administrative affairs, redefining the ways of thinking, planning, and execution.
These views were expressed by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi while addressing a seminar organized by the Department of Chemical Engineering titled “Application of AI in Chemical Process Industries”, at the departmental seminar hall on Friday.
He stressed that scientists and researchers must use AI tools effectively and responsibly. He remarked that while the impact factor of research papers is often given importance, the true value of research lies in its practical application and its ability to solve societal problems.
“Research should not remain confined to publications or statistics; rather, its outcomes must be utilized for the betterment of society.”
He said that the industrial sector is undergoing rapid changes and competition is increasing. Referring to global trade, he mentioned that former U.S. President Donald Trump used trade as a weapon for peace.
He added that although one may disagree with his approach, during times of tension between India and Pakistan, trade served as an effective means of fostering peace between the two nations.
The KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi emphasized that neither missile technology nor military might proved successful in establishing peace, but trade played a pivotal role. Since trade is directly linked with industry, he underscored that industrial development and economic stability require the adoption of modern technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence.
The KU’s Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences Professor Dr Muhammad Raza Shah said that the dissemination and promotion of knowledge is the fundamental mission of the university.
He mentioned that the institution is committed to ensuring the transfer of knowledge in modern and emerging research fields to further enhance academic and research standards. He remarked that the seminar holds great significance and would prove intellectually stimulating and enlightening for the participants.
The former VC of the Women University Swabi Professor Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi appreciated the scholars of the Department of Chemical Engineering for their keen interest and hard work in organizing the event successfully.
She highlighted that students participated in the arrangements with responsibility and enthusiasm, and the long list of volunteers reflected the fact that a large number of students actively contributed to the success of the program.
Earlier, Associate Professor Dr Syed Ali Ammar Taqvi from the Department of Food Engineering, NED University, delivered a detailed presentation on “Application of AI in Chemical Process Industries,” informing students about the revolutionary changes AI has brought across various fields.
The KU’s Chairperson of the Department of Chemical Engineering Engineer Professor Dr Shagufta Ishteyaque remarked that genuine research is that which provides practical assistance in solving industrial and social problems.