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  IBA awards degrees to 1,046 at annual convocation

  Dawn Report

  IBA Karachi held its annual convocation for the Class of 2025, awarding degrees to 1,046 graduates, including 780 undergraduates, 259 postgraduates, and seven PhDs. Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahoo attended as the chief guest, while Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib of Akhuwat Foundation was the guest of honour. Both lauded IBA for its academic excellence, innovation, and role in nurturing future leaders. IBA Executive Director Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi highlighted the diversity of the institution and commended students for their dedication and perseverance. The event celebrated academic achievement and marked a milestone in the graduates’ educational journeys.

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  IBA, KGS ink MoU for collaboration

  Dawn Report

  IBA Karachi and Karachi Grammar School (KGS) signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration between school and higher education. The agreement, signed by IBA Executive Director Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi and KGS Principal Carl P. Lander, aims to raise awareness among school students about higher education opportunities and encourage KGS students to consider IBA Karachi for their future studies.

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  IBA, Pakistan Airports Authority sign MoU

  Dawn Report

  The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) and the Pakistan Airports Authority’s Civil Aviation Training Institute (CATI) have signed an MoU to launch a Diploma Program in Aviation Leadership and Management. The agreement, signed by IBA Executive Director Dr. S Akbar Zaidi and PAA’s Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, focuses on equipping aviation professionals with leadership and strategic management skills. The collaboration aims to address the growing need for skilled personnel in Pakistan's evolving aviation sector. Key stakeholders attended the ceremony, underlining the initiative’s importance for leadership development and professional training nationwide.

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  IMF team discusses economic challenge with IBA students

  Dawn Report

  A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Pakistan’s Mission Chief Nathan Porter and IMF Resident Representative Mahir Binici, visited IBA Karachi to engage with students and faculty. The visit included a session titled "Pakistan’s Way Forward", where Mr. Porter discussed the country’s macroeconomic conditions, policy development, and future economic challenges. The event also featured an interactive Q&A session with students and a prior faculty discussion with members of the IBA School of Economics and Social Sciences.

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  CEJ-IBA tackles AI, censorship threat at 10th anniversary

  Shazia Hasan

  The Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at IBA celebrated its 10th anniversary at IBA’s City Campus, reflecting on a decade of training and innovation in Pakistani journalism. Since its founding in 2015 under a US State Department grant, CEJ has conducted extensive training in digital reporting, data journalism, investigative techniques, and crisis communication. The event featured acknowledgments of CEJ’s founding leadership, video messages from global well-wishers, and two panel discussions on AI in Pakistani newsrooms and censorship threats.

  Panelists highlighted challenges such as the lack of AI literacy and policies in newsrooms, the ethical use of AI, and the risk of misinformation. Others emphasized that censorship continues to undermine press freedom, but journalists remain resilient and committed to transparency. The US Consul General in Karachi praised CEJ’s role in shaping future journalists, while CEJ leadership reiterated its mission of building not only skills but also courage in the profession.

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  Friends, colleagues remember Zubeida Mustafa at CEJ-IBA event

  Shazia Hasan

  The Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ-IBA) hosted a memorial event to honor veteran journalist and former Dawn assistant editor, Zubeida Mustafa. Colleagues and friends highlighted her integrity, intellectual rigor, and quiet leadership. Senior journalist Ghazi Salahuddin recalled how she enriched journalism with her research-based approach, even expanding Dawn’s reference library. Former colleagues including Muna Khan, Sumera Naqvi, Rumana Husain, Rizwana Naqvi, and Zofeen T. Ebrahim shared personal stories of mentorship, encouragement, and her “tough love” that shaped their careers. Despite failing eyesight, she remained committed to her work, even learning braille. Remembered as caring, principled, and inspiring, Zubeida Mustafa’s legacy was celebrated as that of a change agent who empowered colleagues, advanced women’s voices in journalism, and left behind an enduring impact on Pakistani media.

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  'We should hold ourselves accountable while we're alive and kicking'

  Shazia Hasan

  At IBA Karachi, Zafar Masud, CEO and President of The Bank of Punjab and one of only two survivors of the 2020 PIA Flight PK-8303 crash, shared his emotional journey and spiritual reflections during a session titled “Seat 1C: A Survivor’s Tale of Hope, Resilience and Renewal.” Speaking with IBA Executive Director Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi, Masud recounted the moments before the crash, his miraculous survival, and the deep introspection that followed.

  Masud emphasized the importance of self-accountability while we are still alive, urging people to reflect on their lives and purpose before it’s too late. He attributed his survival not to rituals, but to divine mercy and the prayers of his parents, crediting complete strangers for saving him with pure intentions.

  The story of how his seat was ejected from the wreckage and landed safely away from the burning aircraft was both miraculous and humbling. Masud’s narrative highlighted themes of gratitude, purpose, and human kindness, offering powerful life lessons rooted in personal experience and spiritual awakening.

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  Career counselling: questions and answers

  Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi

  This Q&A-based career counselling article offers expert advice to students from various academic backgrounds. It covers pathways in Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking, Digital Marketing vs. Film Production, Genetic Engineering vs. Pharmaceutical Research, and Urban Planning vs. Structural Engineering. The responses highlight growth potential, required skills, and leading institutions in Pakistan and abroad. Emphasis is placed on aligning career choices with individual interests and long-term goals, alongside the importance of certifications and further specialization for professional advancement.

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  Career counselling: questions and answers

  Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi

  In this edition of the career counselling column, Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi offers tailored advice to students with academic backgrounds in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, English Literature, and Economics. Each query contrasts two specializations—Data Science vs Cybersecurity, Robotics vs Aerospace Engineering, Media & Communication vs Linguistics, and Development Economics vs Econometrics—guiding students based on global relevance, field application, and personal interest. Abidi outlines institutional options within Pakistan and abroad, stressing that long-term success hinges on aligning academic strengths and passions with industry trends.

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  Career counselling: questions and answers

  Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi

  This Q&A column by Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi addresses career concerns of students across various academic disciplines. A pre-medical student is guided on the career scope and top universities for Medicine and Dentistry in Pakistan and abroad. A BBA graduate is advised on pursuing a Master’s in International Business, highlighting top institutions and global opportunities. An A-level student is assisted in choosing between Game Development and Software Development based on interest and market demand. Finally, an Environmental Science graduate is counseled on selecting between Environmental Engineering and Environmental Policy, each offering promising yet distinct career trajectories. The expert emphasizes aligning academic choices with individual interests, career goals, and global trends for optimal professional success.

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  Career counselling: questions and answers

  Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi

  This informative Q&A column by educationist Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi addresses common career concerns of recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds. Covering fields such as Renewable Energy vs Embedded Systems, Supply Chain Management vs Financial Analysis, Clinical Psychology vs Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and Climate Change Policy vs Waste Management, the responses emphasize aligning career paths with personal interests and aptitudes. Each answer outlines the scope, demand, and relevance of both fields—locally and globally—while recommending top institutions in Pakistan and abroad. The column promotes informed decision-making, guiding students toward high-potential, future-ready careers based on their strengths and preferences.

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  آئی بی اے افسران کے غیرملکی سفری ٹکٹوں کی تفصیلات طلب، ایف آئی اے کی کارروائی کا آغاز

  Jang

  وفاقی تحقیقاتی ادارے (ایف آئی اے) نے انسٹی ٹیوٹ آف بزنس ایڈمنسٹریشن (آئی بی اے) کراچی کے خلاف اینٹی منی لانڈرنگ ایکٹ 2010 کے سیکشن 25 کے تحت باضابطہ کارروائی شروع کر دی ہے۔ ایف آئی اے نے آئی بی اے کے ایگزیکٹو ڈائریکٹر، رجسٹرار اور ڈائریکٹر ایچ آر کے تمام غیر ملکی سفری ٹکٹوں کی تفصیلات 3 اکتوبر تک طلب کی ہیں۔ اس کے علاوہ ایف آئی اے نے ٹینڈرز، فیزیبلٹی رپورٹس، بولیوں، ادائیگیوں اور بھرتیوں کے مکمل ریکارڈ کے ساتھ مالی سال 2019-20 سے 2024-25 تک کے دوران سینئر افسران کی تنخواہوں، الاؤنسز اور اثاثہ جات کے اعلان فارم کی نقول بھی طلب کی ہیں۔

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  Yardsticks of life

  Harris Khalique

  The 16th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) featured thought-provoking keynote speeches by F.S. Aijazuddin and Asghar Nadeem Syed, setting the stage for critical discussions on culture, history, politics, and economics. The event included book launches and talks by prominent intellectuals. Dr. Haider Nizamani and Dr. Taimoor Shahid, visiting academics, reflected on Pakistani society’s overwhelming focus on politics at the expense of arts and literature. The article also highlights Yardstick of Life: And Other Poems by M. Shahid Alam, a poetry collection blending sorrow and wisdom. Alam, primarily known for his work in economics, emerges as a notable poet, with his verses exploring themes of time, loss, and human existence.

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  FIA, others put on notice on IBA’s plea against corruption, money laundering inquiry

  Jamal Khurshid

  The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the FIA and others on IBA’s petition seeking to quash an inquiry into alleged corruption and money laundering. IBA challenged the inquiry, arguing that funds used for IT and infrastructure were operational and not federal or provincial grants. The petitioner’s counsel claimed the FIA acted beyond its jurisdiction, which falls under NAB, and that the notices were malicious and lacked clarity on allegations. Audits by the Auditor General Sindh had not flagged any wrongdoing. IBA requested the SHC to declare the inquiry illegal and restrain coercive actions against its staff. The SHC called for comments from the FIA and other parties in the next hearing. Previously, the court allowed the inquiry to continue but prohibited arrests.

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  IBA awards 1,046 degrees at Convocation 2025

  News Desk

  IBA Karachi held its Convocation 2025 at the Main Campus, awarding 1,046 degrees across undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs, including the first cohorts of MS Data Science and MS Marketing. Chief Guest Muhammad Ismail Rahoo and Guest of Honor Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib highlighted the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and student development. Dr. S Akbar Zaidi praised graduates for their dedication and emphasized IBA’s role in shaping top talent in Pakistan. The ceremony recognized position holders with medals, shields, and certificates, while Muhammad Ahmad received the Excellence in Sports Award. The event reinforced IBA’s reputation as a leading AACSB-accredited institution in the country.

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  IBA-CEE, CATI sign MoU to introduce diploma programme

  News Desk

  The Institute of Business Administration's Center for Executive Education (IBA-CEE) and the Civil Aviation Training Institute (CATI), under the Pakistan Airports Authority, signed an MoU to launch a Diploma Programme in Aviation Leadership and Management. The program aims to prepare professionals for the rapidly evolving aviation sector in Pakistan. The signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures from both institutions, emphasizing the growing need for strategic leadership and skilled management in the aviation industry.

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  IBA gets AACSB accreditation

  News Desk

  IBA Karachi’s School of Business Studies (SBS) has earned the prestigious AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 6% of business schools globally. The AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), established in 1916 in the US, is renowned for its rigorous evaluation standards in business education. The accreditation process involved mentorship, peer reviews by accredited deans, and alignment with nine key standards including innovation, thought leadership, and societal impact. This milestone affirms IBA’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership development. The accreditation also enhances the global recognition and employability of IBA graduates, aligning the institution with globally benchmarked education standards. Post-accreditation, IBA will enter AACSB’s Continuous Improvement Review cycle to ensure ongoing quality and relevance.

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  IBA session raises awareness about ADR’s growing relevance in commercial disputes

  News Desk

  IBA Karachi organized a session titled “Impact of IBA for Smoothly Handling Commercial Disputes through ADR” to promote the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods in Pakistan. Justice Jawad Hassan of the Lahore High Court emphasized arbitration, mediation, and reconciliation as faster, cost-effective alternatives to conventional litigation. He credited IBA for pioneering Pakistan’s first ADR Centre and praised Executive Director Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi and Director IBA-CEE Mr. Kamran Bilgrami for championing ADR education. The event highlighted IBA’s commitment to advancing legal literacy and fostering efficient dispute resolution practices among students, faculty, and stakeholders.

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  IBA Karachi gets AACSB accreditation

  RECORDER REPORT

  IBA Karachi’s School of Business Studies (SBS) has earned the prestigious AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 6% of business schools globally. AACSB, established in 1916, is renowned for setting the highest international standards in business education. The accreditation follows a rigorous multi-stage evaluation, including mentorship, peer review, and compliance with standards focused on innovation, thought leadership, learner success, and societal impact. This achievement reaffirms IBA’s commitment to academic excellence and global competitiveness, enhancing the global reputation and employability of its graduates through ongoing Continuous Improvement Review (CIR) cycles.

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  IBA, PAA ink MoU on ‘Diploma in Aviation Leadership’

  RECORDER REPORT

  The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi and Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA)’s Civil Aviation Training Institute (CATI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a Diploma in Aviation Leadership and Management. This collaboration aims to develop skilled aviation professionals capable of navigating the dynamic demands of the industry. The MoU, signed by Dr. S Akbar Zaidi and AVM Zeeshan Saeed, signifies a strategic move toward capacity-building and leadership development within Pakistan’s aviation sector. The program will offer specialized training, industry-aligned content, and a platform for future aviation leaders. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to workforce transformation and enhancing operational excellence in aviation.

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  Importance of credible journalism, public trust in digital age highlighted

  Recorder Report

  ILMA University successfully hosted its 5th International Conference on Combating Fake News and Climate Reporting in the Digital Era, bringing together top journalists, academics, and environmental experts to explore challenges in journalism, disinformation, and climate communication. The two-day event featured keynotes from veteran media professionals, panel discussions on AI-generated content and climate advocacy, and academic paper presentations across six sessions. The conference emphasized the role of credible journalism, digital media literacy, and public trust in the fight against misinformation. It concluded with a commitment to fostering truth, accountability, and environmental awareness in today’s digital age.

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  Moot calls for stronger support to promote breastfeeding

  Dawn Reporter

  At a seminar jointly organised by UNICEF, IBA, and Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) to mark World Breastfeeding Week 2025, speakers highlighted that only 45% of infants in Pakistan are exclusively breastfed, underscoring urgent gaps in maternal and child health practices. Parliamentary secretary of health Nida Khuro stressed government efforts to implement breastfeeding laws, while experts emphasized its health, economic, and social benefits. Challenges faced by working women, lack of workplace facilities, and limited public awareness were identified as major barriers. A panel discussion reinforced the need for behavioural change within families, support for maternity rights, and stronger enforcement of breastfeeding laws. Participants called for multisectoral collaboration—bringing together government, academia, healthcare, and civil society—to strengthen breastfeeding practices for the well-being of mothers and children.

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  Former SBP governor calls Islamic banking 'economic necessity'

  Peerzada Salman

  At the launch of Unconventional – The Bank No One Saw Coming by Sibtain Naqvi, former State Bank of Pakistan governor Dr. Ishrat Husain described Islamic banking as an economic necessity rather than just a religious choice. He praised Meezan Bank’s remarkable rise since 2002 as a model of professionalism, integrity, and visionary leadership. Dr. Husain highlighted that Islamic banking promotes equity, fairness, and financial inclusion, offering a balanced alternative to conventional capitalism and socialism. The book and event celebrated Meezan Bank’s journey, its founder Irfan Siddiqui’s leadership, and the institution’s role in reshaping Pakistan’s financial landscape.

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  There's no better education than being in jail, says ex PM

  Peerzada Salman

  At an engaging IBA Karachi session titled “Nazuk Mor or New Directions,” former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi spoke candidly about leadership, politics, and governance in Pakistan. Reflecting on his time in office and imprisonment, he remarked that jail offers unmatched education and reflection — something he believes Imran Khan is now experiencing.

  Abbasi acknowledged Imran Khan’s popular support, attributing it to the failure of others, but also criticized the moral decline during Khan’s tenure. He expressed concern over Karachi’s declining state, especially the lack of water in Baldia Town, despite PPP’s long-standing rule. Highlighting Pakistan’s democratic deficiencies, he stressed that repeated free and fair elections are key to improving governance.

  He emphasized the need for moral authority and intellectual capacity in political leadership to effectively engage with the establishment, arguing that politics is about service, not power. Abbasi also called for reforms, including new provinces and honest national conversations on critical issues like water scarcity.

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  HBL, IBA host first-ever hackathon

  THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE

  Habib Bank Limited (HBL), in collaboration with the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), hosted the first-ever hackathon under its University Alliance Programme, unveiling an Agri Case Study focused on Pakistan’s dairy sector. The event encouraged students to develop technology-driven and sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges by combining business, finance, and innovation. A three-member IBA team won for their exceptional proposal, earning a ‘Golden Pass’ to HBL’s League Internship and Management Trainee Programme along with a cash prize. HBL stated the initiative aims to nurture future leaders and innovators in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.