AI smart classrooms inaugurated at KU’s Computer Science dept

The University of Karachi inaugurated two smart classrooms at the KU’s Department of Computer Sciences. These classrooms are established for the newly launched four-year degree programme in BS AI in the department.

These views were expressed by the vice chancellor of the University of Karachi, Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the classrooms at the Department of Computer Science.

Dr Iraqi said that the proper use of artificial intelligence can elevate humanity to the pinnacle of progress. Whether we use it to enhance or violate human rights depends on us. We need to periodically revise our curriculum to meet contemporary demands and market needs. Instead of producing unemployed graduates, we should introduce programmes that are highly demanded in the market and align with future requirements, he stressed.

Pakistani policymakers need to focus on improving the economic cycle rather than criticism. We need to look in the mirror and assess what role we, as policymakers and decision-makers, are actually playing in the economic development and improvement of Pakistan, he said.

He hoped that students would fully benefit from the Artificial Intelligence programme. We need to nurture not only technological skills but also the innovative and creative abilities of our students. “We must provide our graduates with knowledge that meets course requirements. The world has changed, so as teachers, we need to adapt, update ourselves, and focus on goals that enhance the learning process of our graduates.”

Coordinator-General Comstech Professor Dr Iqbal Choudhary mentioned that AI is an application of everyday life. The machines are taking over human control, knowledge, and authority.

He observed that AI has the potential to intellectually annihilate humanity, making us subservient to the knowledge dictated by science. The intellect will reside with the machine, which will make decisions - a scenario of intellectual death. So far, everything created has been under human intelligence and arrangement, but it could become completely unmanageable.

“The use of artificial intelligence has paved new paths for rapid development in fields such as education, research, development, and health, it also presents new challenges through increased reliance on machines.” He shared that Comstech has developed programs with institutions from 57 countries, providing access to science, technology, health, and agriculture across these nations.

Vice Chairman Ice Breaker Foundation Muhammad Shoaib remarked that AI and smart technologies are not just learning tools but also instruments for transforming society, the economy, and the nation. Education is a part of innovation and development. Through intelligence, skills, and creativity, challenges can be addressed, leading Pakistan into a new era of prosperity.

KU syndicate member Sahibzada Muazzam Qureshi pointed out that public-private partnerships are the way forward. He said that AI has become a necessity in today’s world, especially in the health sector. He expressed hope that the BS in Artificial Intelligence programme at the Department of Computer Science would yield positive results, and that graduates from this programme would play a crucial role in the country’s development.

Earlier, the chairman of the Department of Computer Science, Dr Sadiq Ali Khan, KU’s Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization Dr Syeda Hoor-Ul-Ain, and others also spoke on this occasion.