“Real intelligence lies in connecting with nature”: Shah

Sindh education minister warns against overreliance on AI, stresses human consciousness and creativity at education summit in Karachi

IV Report

KARACHI: Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah on Saturday cautioned against the unchecked influence of artificial intelligence (AI), urging educators and policymakers to anchor future learning in human consciousness, creativity, and a deep connection with nature.

Addressing the closing session of the 6th National Education Summit 2026 at the IBA Karachi auditorium, the minister said that while AI is rapidly transforming modern life, its long-term implications demand careful consideration. “It feels as though artificial intelligence has launched an attack; now we must think about our defense,” he remarked, framing the technological shift as both an opportunity and a challenge for education systems.

The summit, titled “Nurturing Future-Ready Learners: Leadership Dialogue on AI and Generation Alpha,” was organised by the Pakistan Academic Consortium in collaboration with the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions Sindh. It brought together leading educationists, policymakers, and institutional representatives to examine how emerging technologies are reshaping learning and cognition.

Speakers across multiple sessions stressed that education must remain human-centred even as AI tools become more embedded in classrooms. In a panel on “Reclaiming Human Agency in Education,” experts highlighted the need to preserve critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence—qualities they argued cannot be replicated by machines.

Another discussion, “Redefining Learning for Generation Alpha,” focused on the urgency of shifting from rote-based instruction to skill-driven, adaptive learning models. Participants from institutions such as the Aga Khan University Examination Board and Cambridge Assessment International Education underscored that the next generation—growing up immersed in digital ecosystems—requires an education system that balances technological fluency with real-world awareness.

In his keynote remarks, Shah emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong human connection with the natural world. He warned that if children remain confined to screens, their creative and observational abilities would diminish. “A child may recognise nature through images, but how close are they to it in reality?” he asked, arguing that experiential learning must complement digital exposure.

“The real intelligence of the future lies in keeping children connected with the earth, nature, and its beauty,” he said, adding that societies must nurture individuals who can use technology without losing their sense of humanity. AI, he noted, may enhance convenience, but it cannot replace consciousness, emotions, or lived experience.

Education Secretary Sindh Zahid Ali Abbasi, in his opening remarks, highlighted the challenges posed by evolving global demands and called for innovation-driven reforms in the education sector.

Concluding the summit, participants emphasised that the role of teachers is becoming more critical in the AI era, not less. Technology, they agreed, should serve as an enabler rather than a replacement, supporting educators in fostering curiosity, critical inquiry, and research-oriented thinking among students.

The event ended with a set of recommendations aimed at aligning education with local realities, environmental awareness, and human values—principles speakers said are essential to preparing truly future-ready learners.

Photos sources: Sindh Education department