Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, Muhammad Sohail Rajput, declared that Emotional Quotient holds greater importance than Artificial Intelligence for navigating the modern world, while addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the new student leadership at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) on Thursday.
The event, held at the Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Auditorium, marked the formal induction of the newly elected SMIU Students’ Council and nine student societies. Mr. Rajput, attending as the Chief Guest, administered the oath to the student representatives alongside the university’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, according to a statement by SMIU today.
In his address, Mr. Rajput asserted that academic excellence alone is not enough for contemporary success. He stressed the necessity of developing soft skills, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning to keep pace with the rapidly evolving 21st century.
Quoting the poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Faiz Ahmed Faiz, the Ombudsman identified vision, empathy, communication, and patience as essential leadership qualities. He also encouraged the students to serve as ambassadors for the Ombudsman institution, helping to raise awareness among citizens about their rights.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, in his welcome speech, expressed his gratitude for the Ombudsman’s continued engagement, particularly noting the valuable professional exposure students receive through internship opportunities. He stated that universities in developing nations must align their leadership with social and national realities.
Dr. Sahrai highlighted the university’s significant growth, with student enrolment increasing from 1,800 to over 5,500 in the last five years, which he attributed to effective governance and students acting as institutional ambassadors. He remarked that students are the most vital of the university”s three core stakeholders, which also include faculty and supporting staff.
Addressing emerging challenges, the Vice Chancellor urged students to strengthen platforms for debate and innovation, such as Model United Nations and TED-style forums. He proposed the establishment of an AI Protocol Society to champion the ethical and constructive use of new technologies. He reminded the new council that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege.
The ceremony also featured a briefing on the transparent electoral process by Senior Manager Student Affairs, Ms. Qurratulain Memon, and remarks from Assistant Professor Wafa Mansoor Buriro, who lauded the dedication of SMIU students.
The event concluded with Mr. Rajput and Dr. Sahrai distributing appreciation certificates to patrons of the student societies and outstanding members of the outgoing council, reinforcing a commitment to character building and holistic education.