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Supreme Court senior puisne judge Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah inaugurates an 'ADR International Centre' at the IBA on Friday
Junaid Ahmed
The News photo by Junaid Ahmed
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CEC okays three-month extension of IBA head Dr Akbar Zaidi
Syed Muhammad Askari
The chief election commissioner (CEC) has approved the extension of the tenure of Dr Akbar Zaidi as executive director of the IBA Karachi by three months.
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Department of boards, universities to conduct test for appointing chairmen, controllers and audit officers
Syed Muhammad Askari
The Department of Boards and Universities in Sindh has decided to conduct a test for the appointment of key positions, including chairmen, controllers, secretaries, and audit officers in educational boards across the province. This test will be managed by IBA Karachi. Secretary of Boards and Universities, Abbas Baloch, sent a summary to the Chief Minister on September 27, 2023, outlining the need for these appointments. Following approval, advertisements for these vacancies were published, but several petitions were filed challenging the appointment process. The Sindh High Court has ruled in favor of proceeding with the recruitment via a Search Committee. The test will be conducted by IBA Karachi to shortlist candidates for interviews, as there are over 200 applicants.
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IBA Karachi unable to conduct fresh MDCAT due to ‘lack of expertise and capacity’
Syed Muhammad Askari
A new challenge has emerged regarding the re-conduct of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) ordered by the Sindh High Court. The IBA Karachi has refused to conduct the test due to a lack of expertise and capacity, as confirmed by its Acting Executive Director Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Khoja. IBA Karachi's Board of Governors had decided in 2002 that the institution would not engage in testing services unless it acquired the necessary resources. In contrast, IBA Sukkur has agreed to conduct the test. Despite the Sindh High Court's order, a meeting between IBA Karachi and IBA Sukkur failed to resolve the issue. The test was originally managed by IBA Karachi but was discontinued in 2002. The Sindh High Court had previously declared the MDCAT conducted by Dow Medical University null and void, ordering a retake of the test by IBA Karachi and IBA Sukkur.
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Murad advises IBA graduates to lead with empathy, integrity, social responsibility
Salis bin Perwaiz
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over the IBA Karachi's 2024 convocation, congratulating graduates for their hard work and resilience. He emphasized the significance of leadership rooted in empathy, integrity, and social responsibility. Murad highlighted IBA's 70 years of academic excellence and its commitment to preparing students for global challenges, including advancements in AI and digital transformation. The event also celebrated the largest graduating class, with 1,353 graduates across various disciplines. IBA's alumni network was acknowledged for their contributions, and Rowing Champion Syeda Manahil Hussain received the 'Excellence in Sports' award.
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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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