A Human-Inspired AI Laboratory has opened at Punjab University to help students and
researchers study technology through human needs. The new facility was established at the
Faculty of Computing and Information Technology with support from TİKA
.
TİKA Vice President Ali Ercan formally opened the laboratory during a ceremony held at Punjab
University. Turkish Consul General Muhammad Ameen Shamshak, Pro Vice Chancellor
Professor Dr Mahmood Saleem and FCIT Dean Professor Dr Shahzad Sarwar attended.

Dr Kamran Malik and faculty members also joined the ceremony and welcomed the facility. The
laboratory is designed to strengthen technical learning while helping researchers understand the
effects of artificial intelligence on society.

Speaking at the event, Ali Ercan said TİKA wanted to strengthen academic links between
universities in Pakistan and Türkiye. He said artificial intelligence is developing quickly and has
strong potential in education, healthcare, research and public services.

He also said rapid technological progress makes it important to consider who AI serves and how
these systems affect human lives. He hoped the laboratory would help students develop skills
while thinking about the social impact of their work.

The Turkish Consul General said both countries wanted stronger academic cooperation
between universities and educational institutions. He noted that TİKA is supporting several
projects in Pakistan to encourage educational cooperation and advance shared interests.

Professor Dr Shahzad Sarwar said the laboratory has modern computing and server facilities for
research and academic activities. He highlighted a joint agreement with Yildiz Technical
University in Türkiye to expand cooperation.

Under the agreement, both universities will work together on research projects and encourage
exchanges between students and faculty members. They will also develop artificial intelligence
courses and teaching programmes for students.The new laboratory represents an important
step for AI education and research at Punjab University and supports closer academic ties.

Source: supporting information from the official TİKA announcement.

Fatima Khan