By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: An artificial intelligence week aimed at strengthening links between academia and industry opened at Sukkur IBA on 27 January, drawing students, researchers and technology professionals from across the region.
INDUS AI Week 2026 began with an inaugural address by the vice chancellor, Prof Dr Asif Ahmed Shaikh, who said universities must do more than respond to technological change and instead take the lead in shaping it. He urged students to equip themselves with advanced digital skills and said the institution remained committed to expanding AI education, research and collaboration with industry.
Prof Dr Sher Muhammad Daudpota, dean of the faculty of science and information technology, said artificial intelligence was reshaping academia, business and national development. He called for greater emphasis on research, creativity and practical learning to prepare graduates for emerging technological challenges.
The opening day featured a series of talks by industry specialists. Dr Muhammad Muddassar Yamin discussed the use of AI-driven cyber range simulations in strengthening cybersecurity. Muhammad Mohsin Ali traced the development of agent-based systems in a session on the foundations of agentic AI.
Ammar Zaffar examined the challenges of scaling machine learning systems from code to cloud production, while Hamad Sami outlined enterprise automation through Microsoft’s Power Platform. Noor Ilahi focused on user experience design for AI-powered mobile applications. Organizers said the week-long program would continue with technical sessions and interactive activities designed to promote innovation, encourage collaboration and prepare students for careers in artificial intelligence.
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