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Finland trains entrepreneurs
The Express Tribune Correspondent
IBA Karachi’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) held its ‘Winter Immersion Program’ (WIP) from December 16 to 19 at the City Campus, featuring renowned international trainers. Dr. Sanna Ilonen and Joachim Ramstrom, from Finland's University of Turku, along with Islam Mohamed from Saudi Arabia’s Arweqah Alreyadah, led workshops on entrepreneurship education, research, and incubation management. IBA-CED Executive Director Dr. S Akbar Zaidi emphasized the need for updating the curriculum to keep pace with entrepreneurship trends and creative thinking.
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IBA test mandatory for top postions in Sindh edu boards
The Express Tribune Correspondent
The Department of Boards and Universities in Sindh has partnered with IBA Karachi to conduct a mandatory test for key positions in education boards, including chairman, controller, secretary, and audit officer. A proposal was submitted to the Chief Minister for filling these positions through a competitive process. After challenges in the Sindh High Court, the court allowed the appointment process to proceed with a search committee. The test will help manage the large number of applicants, ensuring only the top candidates are selected for interviews.
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'Technological Ecosystem Holds Immense Potential'
The Express Tribune Correspondent
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah addressed IBA Karachi’s convocation, emphasizing the role of educational institutions in shaping Pakistan’s future. He urged graduates to embrace advancements in artificial intelligence, data science, and digital transformation. Shah also highlighted IBA’s upcoming 70-year milestone and its commitment to academic excellence, with 67% of faculty holding PhD degrees. He stressed the potential of Pakistan’s technological ecosystem and youth to contribute globally.
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SHC orders Sindh govt to hold MDCAT afresh within four weeks
The Nation Correspondent
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the Sindh government to hold the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) again within four weeks due to a compromised test procedure. The probe committee and an FIA report revealed that the test paper was leaked 14 hours before the exam, involving several staff members. The test's security was found to be weak, and the correlation between MDCAT scores and board exam results was low. The SHC directed IBA Karachi and IBA Sukkur to conduct the retake and ensured no extra fees would be charged to the candidates. The court also highlighted issues with the limited question bank and the exclusion of certain universities from MDCAT, violating equality principles. It ordered amendments to the law and appointed vigilance committees to monitor the retake process.
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IBA, Saylani Trust launch short course programme to impart entrepreneurial skills
THE NEWS INTERNATIONAL Correspondent
The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi has partnered with Saylani Welfare International Trust (SWIT) to offer a three-month entrepreneurial skills course called Spark Start for Karachi’s youth. The course aims to help young people develop business skills, enabling them to start their own ventures. During the launch ceremony at IBA City campus, SWIT Chairman Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri emphasized that entrepreneurship aligns with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and that it can empower youth to help alleviate Pakistan’s economic challenges. The course will focus on practical entrepreneurship, with additional support from industry experts to guide students as they develop their business ideas.
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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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