SALU approves dual degree policy, new AI course

SUKKUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jul, 2026) The Academic Council of Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU) has approved major academic reforms, including adoption of HEC’s dual and joint degree policy and introduction of a mandatory Artificial Intelligence course from Fall 2026.

According to release on Saturday, the 19th meeting of the council was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Yousuf Khushk at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Chair. HEC representative Dr. Amjad Hussain attended virtually.

In his address, Dr. Khushk said universities should be measured by the quality of education, research impact and service to society.

Degrees open doors, but research that improves lives builds nations, he said, urging faculty to convert theses into funded projects that address societal challenges. He also called for greater use of AI, integrity and global collaborations in teaching.

The council confirmed minutes of its 18th meeting and reviewed implementation of the Research Policy 2025 and Institutional Research Ethics Policy.

It adopted two new HEC frameworks — the 2026 Policy on Dual, Double and Joint Degree Programmes for collaboration with local and foreign institutions, and the revised Faculty Exchange Programme linking Pakistani universities with the top 300 global universities.

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In academic approvals, the council awarded 146 MPhil and 37 PhD degrees on recommendations of the Advanced Studies and Research board. It also provisionally approved BS schemes of study for Computer Science, Information Technology and Software Engineering.

Other decisions included launch of an LLM programme at the SZAB school of Law, revised BS and postgraduate curricula, new certificate courses, a Diploma in Museum Studies, and inclusion of Fahm-e-Quran courses.

The council approved HEC’s Undergraduate Internship Policy and the revised National Fee Refund Policy 2024, which provides 100 per cent refund up to the 10th day of classes.

For admissions, the council considered a revised merit formula for 2027 with 20pc weightage for Matriculation, 30pc for Intermediate and 50pc for the entry test, against the previous 10-30-60 formula.

Pro vice chancellors, deans, directors, chairpersons, Registrar Muhammad Hassan Halepoto and representatives of affiliated colleges attended the meeting. Council members appreciated the VC’s efforts for promoting quality education, transparency and research at the university.