KARACHI, Feb 13 (APP): The faculty of Information Technology of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Information Technology, Government of Sindh, and the ORIC of the university, organized a panel discussion on “Sustainable Educational Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” at the Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Auditorium of the university.
Among the panelists were Noor Ahmed Somo, Secretary of Training Management and Research Wing (SGA&CD), Government of Sindh; Ayaz Ahmed Uqaili, Member of IT Industry Development; Faiza Yousuf, Software Engineer/Principal Product Manager; Atiq Raja, CEO AR Trainings and Consultancy and Syed Muhammad Hassan, Lecturer at the Department of Artificial Intelligence & Mathematical Sciences, SMIU.
In celebration of Indus AI Week Sindh, Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMI) organized an extensive and thought-provoking panel discussion on “Sustainable Educational Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, bringing together academics, policymakers, technologists, and practitioners to deliberate on how artificial intelligence is reshaping education systems and governance frameworks across the country. The discussion emphasized that while AI has made access to information easier than ever before, it has also placed greater responsibility on educational institutions to ensure that learning remains purposeful, ethical, and rooted in critical thinking rather than passive consumption of digital content.
Highlighting the governance perspective, Noor Ahmed Samo, shared practical examples of AI-driven digital governance initiatives. He explained how AI-supported solutions were utilized in municipal departments and flood-affected areas of Sindh to improve coordination and service delivery, including collaboration with Meta to identify and connect affected citizens through WhatsApp-based platforms. He stated that modern governance increasingly depends on digital intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and responsive public services, adding that the Government of Sindh has initiated structured programs to train public-sector employees in AI tools to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
He further observed that intelligence today is defined less by having ready answers and more by the ability to ask informed and meaningful questions—an area where AI can serve as a powerful assistive tool.
Speaking on the evolving role of educators, Faiza Yousuf stressed that meaningful learning is not always comfortable or “amicable,” but often requires intellectual challenge and disciplined guidance. She highlighted that in an era where information is instantly available online, teachers and trainers are more important than ever as facilitators who help learners evaluate the reliability of information, contextualize knowledge, and apply it responsibly. She noted that modern education—particularly programs focused on women and youth—must prioritize critical thinking, reading habits, and analytical skills, as deeper engagement with books and knowledge directly enhances a learner’s capacity to benefit from AI tools in a meaningful way.
Ayaz Uqaili, drew attention to the growing risk of reducing AI to a tool for shortcuts, cautioning that its real value lies not in solving routine homework or basic problems, but in fostering creativity and innovation.
The ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence were addressed by Raja Tariq, who emphasized that AI is essentially a magnifier of human intent and capability, making ethical grounding indispensable. He described ethical AI use as a lifelong process rooted in honesty, integrity, and respect, warning that without moral responsibility, AI can amplify misinformation, bias, and misuse rather than social benefit. Complementing this view, Syed Muhammad Hassan Zaidi, Lecturer at SMI, highlighted the need for students to develop a clear vision and continuously update their skills, noting that many learners seek easy solutions instead of building deep understanding. He underscored that familiarity with AI tools must be accompanied by a sound grasp of their underlying concepts and responsible usage.
Concluding the discussion, panelists collectively emphasized that sustainable educational governance in the age of AI requires a balanced and forward-looking approach—one that integrates technology with ethics, innovation with accountability, and digital tools with a strong culture of reading and lifelong learning. The panel reaffirmed that artificial intelligence should serve as an enabler of human intellect and social progress, not a replacement for critical thought, and that universities, governments, and society must work together to ensure AI contributes positively to education, governance, and sustainable development in Sindh and other parts of the country.
The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Imtiaz Hussain, Assistant Professor at the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Sciences, SMIU.
The session was concluded by awarding souvenirs to the guests by SMIU’s Dean Dr. Jamshed Adil Halepoto.