By: FT Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD — The top leadership of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan held a detailed session on making universities digitally ready and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into higher education.
The session, chaired by HEC Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, discussed a phased roadmap for digital transformation, including infrastructure development, pilot projects, scaling up and system integration. Participants also examined the inclusion of AI through basic, Generative AI, application development and certification courses.
Dr. Niaz stressed continuous digital upgrading and enhanced AI literacy, directing officials to develop practical initiatives for AI education, training, curriculum reforms and financial requirements.
Huawei Global Education Division CTO and Vice President Meng Gencang briefed participants on the growing role of AI across industries and its impact on future workforce requirements. He stressed that AI integration in higher education is critical to addressing emerging talent gaps.
The forum also discussed a unified AI literacy framework, curriculum development, capability building and strategic transformation, as well as leveraging HEC infrastructure and the CPEC Consortium of Universities to benefit from Chinese expertise in emerging technologies.
