Karachi: Vice Chancellor the University of Karachi, Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail Jokhio inaugurated the digital lab at the KU’s Department of Mass Communication here on Tuesday.
The Orange Tree Foundation has provided financial and technical support in establishing the digital lab for the final-year students of the department.
Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail Jokhio expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the digital lab, here.
Addressing the ceremony, the KU VC Professor Dr. Muhammad Tufail has stated that alumni of the University of Karachi were rendering distinguished services in diverse fields across the globe, which was a matter of pride for their alma mater.
He emphasized that the University of Karachi possesses 75 years of academic, research, and educational experience, and during this period its graduates have proven their abilities both nationally and internationally.
Professor Tufail recalled that until 1977, the University of Karachi was the only university in the city, from where engineers, doctors, lawyers, business leaders, and experts in various disciplines received their education. In this regard, the University of Karachi has played a fundamental role in the academic, professional, and economic development of Karachi.
He observed that alumni residing abroad were keen to contribute positively to the development of their alma mater and to strengthen the alumni community of the university. However, he stressed that it is essential to clearly inform them about the specific sectors and purposes for which their assistance will be utilized.
He observed that equally important was to assure them that their contributions would be employed transparently, effectively, and in the right direction.
KU VC Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail added that if alumni were provided with adequate information, transparency, and confidence, a large number of individuals would come forward to give back to their alma mater and play their part in its advancement.
According to him, supporting universities was, in fact, an investment in the education and training of future generations of the country. Therefore, clear planning and the provision of effective platforms were necessary for this purpose.
He expressed his gratitude to the Global Chief Executive Officer of the Orange Tree Foundation Omer Mateen Allahwala for providing direct financial assistance to students.
He described such initiatives as highly commendable in fulfilling the educational needed of students and emphasized that maintaining transparency and effectiveness in this process was a significant responsibility.
He remarked that merely presenting good proposals was not sufficient; true success was achieved when students and researchers meet the expectations attached to them through their performance.
He highlighted that the newly established digital lab would play an important role in the practical training, research, and professional skill development of students.
He urged students to uphold moral values alongside academic, research, and professional growth. He emphasized that family values, cultural traditions, and ethical principles form the foundation of an individual’s personality and professional character, and these must never be compromised.
Speaking on the subject of Artificial Intelligence, the VC KU, Professor Dr. Muhammad Tufail noted that benefiting from modern technology was an essential requirement of the present era. However, he cautioned that its usage must remain within the framework of ethical principles, human values, and responsible conduct. He advised students to always prioritize honesty, responsibility, and ethical standards in their academic and research activities.
Earlier, the Global Chief Executive Officer of the OTF, Omer Mateen Allahwala stated that students should prove themselves by utilizing their creative thinking, abilities, and innovative ideas.
He affirmed that opportunities and platforms were available to them, while it was the responsibility of institutions, public and private sectors to provide necessary support and resources.
Addressing the students, he encouraged them to present their ideas and strive to demonstrate their capabilities in practical terms. He assured that if students prove themselves through hard work, competence, and creativity, they would be provided with further scholarships and assistance in the future.
He emphasized that the scholarships awarded to students of the KU’s MCD were merely the beginning. He urged students to continue showcasing their talents, assuring them that the Foundation stood firmly by their side and would continue to provide them with ample opportunities and maximum support to move forward.
On this occasion, the KU’s Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Samina Saeed remarked that digital media has become an essential requirement of the modern age. Therefore, adapting to the demands of contemporary times was unavoidable. She stressed that educational institutions and departments must take effective measures to acquaint students with modern technology and digital resources.
Another speaker, the Chairperson of the KU’s MCD Dr Sadia Mahmood informed the audience that the Orange Tree Foundation has provided 25 modern laptops for the establishment of the digital lab, which would particularly benefit final-year students.
She further shared that over the past two years, more than 70 students of the department have been awarded scholarships by the OTF.
She praised the initiatives of the Orange Tree Foundation in offering educational support, providing modern facilities, and sponsoring deserving students of the University of Karachi.
Dr Sadia Mahmood shared that the inauguration of the digital lab marked a significant milestone in equipping students with modern technological tools and enhancing their research and professional skills.
She observed that the collaboration between the University of Karachi and the Orange Tree Foundation demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing education, supporting students, and preparing future generations to meet the challenges of the digital age.
According to her, the event underscored the importance of alumni engagement, transparency in support initiatives, and the integration of ethical values with technological progress, thereby setting a strong foundation for the continued growth and excellence of the University of Karachi.
