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Minister launches power reforms project to foster economic growth
THE NEWS INTERNATIONAL Correspondent
The Pakistan Power Reforms Project was launched in collaboration with IBA and the Ministry of Energy to enhance the efficiency of the power sector. Federal Minister Sardar Awais Leghari outlined a roadmap focused on improving governance in distribution companies and upgrading transmission infrastructure. He emphasized addressing tariffs through policy changes, transitioning to a competitive electricity market, and promoting electric vehicles to boost demand and reduce fuel imports. With over 55% of electricity already generated from clean sources, this share is expected to exceed 70% soon, supporting industrial and economic growth.
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Sindh cabinet forms committee to improve education boards
The News International Correspondent
The Sindh cabinet, chaired by CM Syed Murad Ali Shah, took key decisions to improve education and rural services. The Directorate of Inclusive Education was established to ensure mainstream schools admit autistic and slow learners. The Sindh Peoples Rural Civic Services Company was created to provide clean water and sanitation to rural areas, supported by a $400M World Bank commitment. A committee was formed to address shortcomings in education boards, with amendments proposed to improve transparency in appointments. Updated VC appointment criteria were approved for universities, emphasizing academic and administrative excellence. The cabinet also announced the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Institute for Democracy & Federalism, integrating existing Benazir Bhutto chairs with Rs300M funding.
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FAST Cables signs MoU with IBA and NED
FAST Cables
FAST Cables signed an MoU with IBA Karachi and NED University to promote academic excellence, sustainability, and student achievements in research. The agreement, signed by FAST Cables CEO Kamal Mian, IBA Executive Director Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, and NED Rector Syed Ghazanfar Hussain, aims to bridge industry-academia gaps. The collaboration will offer internship opportunities, faculty placement programs, and joint research initiatives, fostering innovation and sustainable business practices.
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Importance of AI highlighted in modernising industry, improving operations
Shazia Hasan
This is an article about the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modernizing industry. It discusses AI’s role in improving industrial operations. There is no mention of the specific ways AI is used in industry.
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Pakistan's Economic Progress
DR ISHRAT HUSAIN
Pakistan’s economic journey over the past year, under a new coalition government and a 37-month IMF programme, has shown positive macroeconomic indicators. These include improved external debt servicing, reduced current account and fiscal imbalances, a market-driven exchange rate, and lower inflation and interest rates. However, achieving the goal of completing the last IMF programme remains inconsistent. Key challenges include raising private investment, restructuring state-owned enterprises, simplifying taxes, easing business regulations, and addressing structural issues like decentralization and energy debt. The focus for 2025 is on consolidating stabilization measures and accelerating reforms with broad political support.
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Changes to universities law to pave way for bureaucrats' hiring as VCs
Faiza Ilyas
The Sindh cabinet approved amendments to the Sindh Universities and Institutes Laws Act 2018, allowing senior bureaucrats with a Master's degree and four years of experience (BPS-21+) to serve as vice chancellors (VCs) in general universities, with PhDs remaining mandatory for engineering and some specialized institutions. The decision has sparked opposition from academic bodies like FAPUASA-Sindh and Karachi University Teachers’ Society, which argue that VCs should be eminent academicians with doctoral qualifications to ensure universities' academic and intellectual growth. Critics contend that appointing non-academic administrators undermines universities’ integrity and educational standards. The government aims to balance academic and administrative leadership in appointments while addressing concerns about inclusivity and qualifications.
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SHC orders MDCAT be retaken after inquiry confirms paper leak
Jamal Khurshid
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the retake of the Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) due to a paper leak and irregularities in the test conducted by Dow University. The inquiry committee concluded that the entire test process was compromised, prompting the SHC to direct the Sindh government to hold a fresh MDCAT within four weeks. The test will be conducted simultaneously across the province by IBA Karachi and IBA Sukkur. The court also ordered that no additional fees be charged and that the test follow the relevant guidelines and syllabus. It emphasized equality between public and private universities regarding the MDCAT and ordered the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) to revise its regulations to prevent discrimination. Furthermore, the court instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to complete its investigation into the paper leak and ensure accountability within two months.
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US committed to deepening its trade ties with Pakistan, says Blome
AHMED MALIK
The US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome underscored the United States’ unwavering commitment to Pakistan as a trade and economic partner during his visit to Karachi.
“We are committed to broadening and deepening our trade and economic partnership with Pakistan, and to empowering the next generation of Pakistani business leaders,” -
Experts call for bridging AI gap
NEWS DESK
An international conference, organized by the IBA Karachi, shed light on the increasing significance of Artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative impact on contemporary society, business operations, innovations, and entrepreneurship.
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IBA Karachi, Stanford Life Design Lab collaborate to transform Pakistan’s educational landscape
The Nation Newspaper
The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, has partnered with Stanford University’s Life Design Lab to address Pakistan’s educational challenges through design thinking. This collaboration, unveiled by IBA officials, aims to foster innovation and sustainable growth, with a strong emphasis on locally relevant solutions. A panel discussion, led by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and other key figures, highlighted the importance of IBA alumni’s dual expertise in Pakistan’s context and Stanford's methodologies. Stanford faculty will work closely with IBA to upskill staff and integrate this innovative approach, shaping future leaders and driving societal progress in Pakistan. Additionally, discussions on global pandemic preparedness were held during the event.
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Entrepreneurship in academia discussed
Pakistan Press International
The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) conducted the Winter Immersion Programme 2024 at its City Campus, in collaboration with the IBA Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (IBA-CED). The programme featured international trainers discussing entrepreneurship education, research, and incubation management in academia. IBA Executive Director Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi highlighted the need to revamp academic curricula to address the dynamic field of entrepreneurship. Trainers Dr. Sanna Ilonen, Joachim Ramstrom, and Islam Mohamed led two workshops during the four-day event. IBA-CED Director Dr. Lalarukh Ejaz emphasized the importance of such workshops for knowledge exchange and structured discourse, fostering collaboration between universities and incubators.
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Govt rejects opposition’s allegations about contractual appointments to universities
Salis bin Perwaiz
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon rejected allegations of politicized contractual university appointments, emphasizing transparency and merit. Structural reforms aim to enhance education quality, including improved university transport and transparent MDCAT exams conducted at IBA Karachi and Sukkur. He announced ongoing flood relief efforts, constructing 2.1M houses, and an IT youth training program in collaboration with NED University and IBA Sukkur to boost employment and IT exports. Major Karachi projects like the Malir Expressway, Yellow Line, and Red Line BRT are underway to improve infrastructure. Memon criticized PTI, accusing it of conspiracies against Pakistan and its institutions.
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IBA hosts population research conference
Recorder Report
IBA Karachi hosted the 25th Annual Population Research Conference, focusing on sustainable development, in collaboration with the Population Association of Pakistan (PAP) and the Population Research Centre (PRC). The first panel, Pakistan @ 2050, explored challenges like urbanization, poverty, and climate change. Experts discussed the demographic trajectory, emphasizing policies for managing urban growth and migration.
The Data for Development session highlighted regional PRC initiatives, including IBA-PRC’s Young Researchers Workshop Series and International Webinar Series. The second day featured technical sessions on migration, gender, health systems, and data-driven decision-making. The conference concluded with a panel on the private sector’s role in family planning.
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Sindh CM explains what actually constitutes true leadership
Recorder Report
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over IBA Karachi’s Convocation 2024, celebrating the achievements of its graduates. He praised their resilience and highlighted IBA’s upcoming 70th anniversary, recognizing its legacy in education and leadership. Shah emphasized the importance of embracing AI, data science, and digital transformation, urging graduates to lead with integrity and social responsibility. With 67% of its faculty holding PhDs and an influential alumni network of over 18,000, IBA continues to shape future leaders. The event concluded with the CM presenting medals and degrees to top graduates.
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Scholarship programme digitised to facilitate deserving students
Bureau Report
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Foundation (KPEF) has digitized its scholarship process to enhance transparency and efficiency, eliminating manual procedures and delays. The new auto-generated quantification system automatically generates merit lists based on academic marks, financial need, and the study of emerging sciences. KPEF has signed MoUs with 20 universities, including LUMS, IBA, and Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute, to streamline the application process. Despite limited funding, KPEF has committed to supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including orphans, physically challenged individuals, and those registered with Zakat, EHSAS, and BISP. The Foundation seeks additional funding from government, donors, and the private sector to expand support, particularly for PhD students.
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IBA dean underscores need for improving quality of higher education
Business Recorder Reporter
The 11th Deans and Directors Conference 2024 on “Navigating Disruption and Innovation in Business Education” concluded at a local hotel.
Hosted by the National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC-HEC), this prestigious event brought together VCs, deans, directors, thought leaders, educators, and industry experts from across the country to deliberate on the future of business education amidst rapid technological advancements and evolving industry landscapes. -
IBA holds ‘career fair’
Business Recorder Reporter
The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, hosted its Annual Career Fair 2024, at the IBA Main Campus. Organized by the IBA Career Development Centre (CDC) in collaboration with a Student Committee, the event aimed to connect corporate entities and emerging ventures with the vibrant student body of the Institute.
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UNDP, JS Bank and IBA Karachi join hands to finance climate-resilient SMEs
Business Recorder Reporter
The news describes the UNDP, JS Bank, and IBA Karachi collaboration on the SDGs Innovative Financing Challenge Cup to support climate-resilient small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. The initiative, aligned with UN MSMEs Day, hosted a competition with over 200 applications, shortlisting 30 SMEs for capacity-building workshops. The event's finale featured the top 10 finalists, focusing on projects addressing social and environmental challenges linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Pak High Commission hosts IBA delegation
Daily Times Reporter
Pakistan High Commissioner in Singapore, Rukhsana Afzaal, has hosted a delegation of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi, comprising senior justices from the Lahore and Islamabad High Courts, officials of the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the Pakistan Stock Exchange, and faculty members of the IBA.
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