The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology, led by Senator Kamal Ali Agha, recently held a meeting to discuss key issues. One major topic of concern was the misuse of AI tools like ChatGPT in academic settings.
During the meeting, it was revealed that many institutions under the Ministry of Science and Technology are facing leadership challenges. Out of 17 sub-institutions, nine do not have permanent heads. Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stated that some appointments are awaiting the Prime Minister’s approval. However, the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology has been dissolved, which complicates the appointment process for its board.
Another issue discussed was the lack of proper student housing at COMSATS University Islamabad. The university enrolls over 11,000 students on its Islamabad campus, but space constraints prevent building on-campus hostels. Students are instead placed in private hostels nearby. However, these private facilities are overcrowded, with up to 10 students sharing a single room. The Senate committee urged the university to improve housing conditions for students.
A growing challenge discussed in the meeting was academic misconduct involving AI tools like ChatGPT. COMSATS University officials highlighted that plagiarism and misuse of such tools are on the rise. Although the university uses a plagiarism-checking system provided by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), handling the ethical challenges posed by ChatGPT requires additional measures.
Senators expressed concerns over students using ChatGPT to generate research papers. University representatives emphasized the need to teach both students and faculty how to use AI tools responsibly. To address this, faculty training programs on the ethical use of ChatGPT have already begun.
The committee stressed the importance of balancing innovation with ethical practices in education. They called for swift action to strengthen academic integrity and ensure universities can adapt to emerging technologies responsibly.
This meeting also underscored the urgent need for the Ministry of Science and Technology to appoint permanent leadership for its institutions to ensure smooth operations.
Read Also: Estonia Simplifies Work Visa Process for Skilled Workers!
