Aga Khan University hosted AI in Action: From Insights to Impact on November 6, 2025, welcoming more than 600 participants both in-person and online from various countries. The event provided a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and professionals to explore the transformative role of technology, data, and artificial intelligence in shaping work, learning, and leadership practices. The conference offered a mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and fireside chats designed to foster dialogue on digital transformation and its implications for organizational and individual growth.
The conference opened with a keynote on technology by Faisal Anwar, ICP – LEA and CTO of HBL, who emphasized the integration of AI in financial services and the importance of aligning technological advancements with strategic objectives. This session was followed by a fireside chat featuring Shaukat Ali Khan, Advisor to the President for ICT at AKU, moderated by journalist and anchor Sidra Iqbal from Aaj TV. The conversation highlighted the practical challenges and opportunities of digital transformation, focusing on continuous learning, adaptive leadership, and the ethical application of AI in organizational settings.
A Digital Leaders panel provided further insights into AI’s expanding role across industries. Panelists included Nausheen Ashraf, CEO of 4sight Technologies; Dr. Imran Batada, CDO at IoBM and Global CIO Award Winner; Rabia Saleem, PMP® and CTO at Habib Education Trust; Tabasum Abid, CTO of Sindh Police; and Muhammad Fahd, Regional Director of ICT at AKU. The discussions emphasized how AI-driven solutions can optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and support innovation, while underlining the continued relevance of human judgment and critical thinking in guiding technological adoption. Panelists also shared case studies and examples demonstrating practical applications of AI and data analytics in education, governance, and enterprise operations.
The conference highlighted Aga Khan University’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration in AI, technology, and data-driven innovation. Participants engaged in discussions that explored the balance between automation and human oversight, the importance of ethical considerations in AI deployment, and the need for continuous skills development to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. AI in Action provided attendees with actionable insights and strategies to apply technology responsibly while enhancing operational efficiency and strategic outcomes, reinforcing the growing intersection of technology, leadership, and education in Pakistan and beyond.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
