AIOU Hosts Pre-Conference Roundtable on AI and Academic Integrity

The Asia Middle East Africa (AMEA) Consortium on Academic and Research Integrity, with key support from Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), has scheduled its second conference on “Academic and Research Integrity” from February 13 to 15, 2025, at the University of Lahore. AIOU, as a principal collaborator alongside institutions such as the Center for Academic Integrity Pakistan, Chenab University, University of Wollongong Dubai, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Turkey, and King Fahad Medical City Saudi Arabia, is committed to fostering dialogue and solutions for upholding academic standards. The event will also receive support from the Punjab Higher Education Commission and the University of Lahore.
A pre-conference roundtable AI and Academic Integrity: Navigating Ethical Issues in Education was held  at Allama Iqbal Open University under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood. Among the attendees were other prominent university leaders, including Professor Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid; Rector Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Professor Dr. Bushra Mirza; Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Women University, Professor Dr. Shahid Munir, Vice Chancellor University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, Professor Dr. Kanwal Amin , Vice Chancellor of Government College Women University Faisalabad, Dr. Muhammad Shahid Suriya, Director General Pakistan Institute of Education, Professor Dr. Mahmood ul Hassan Butt, former Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University, Professor Dr. Farooq Anwar , Vice Chancellor Noor International University Lahore; Professor Dr. Rauf Azam , Vice Chancellor Government College University Faisalabad, Professor Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti; Rector Virtual University, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, Vice Chancellor Emerson University Multan, and Ms. Amara Awais from the University of Lahore.
Opening the discussion, Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood emphasized that academic and research integrity is a shared responsibility. He highlighted the importance of improving academic governance and assessment systems and stressed the need for steps to curb fake publications to maintain standards. Other vice chancellors expressed that to tackle the challenges to academic integrity, it is essential to utilize modern technology and artificial intelligence positively while safeguarding students from its negative impacts. They emphasized the need for establishing core values of integrity, honesty, transparency, respect, and accountability in education. Additionally, they discussed the necessity of a unified policy to prevent plagiarism and eliminate cheating. They noted that upholding honesty in learning is a fundamental aspect of higher education.