- By Syeda Malaika Zehra & Syeda Nameera Hasan
EMBRACING RISK: THE KEY TO PROGRESS AND SUCCESS
The Vision of Prof. Dr. Khalid Mehmood Iraqi
By Syeda Malaika Zehra & Syeda Nameera Hasan
Prof. Dr. Khalid Mehmood Iraqi, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi, has been a beacon of encouragement and inspiration to all the students studying there. In an Exclusive Interview with Media Verse, Prof. Dr. Iraqi shares his visionary approach and thought process for shaping the future of the university.
When asked about the university’s standing compared to other universities,
“Prof. Dr. Iraqi emphasized that his vision for the university is to provide quality education, which he aims to maintain throughout his tenure and afterwards too”
In spite of the large numbers enrolled in the University, Prof. Dr. Iraqi managed to launch six new programs in 2023; Prof. Dr. Iraqi’s goal is to bridge the gap between academic training and market needs. With the growing digital age, Mr. Khalid Iraqi, intends to encourage digitization across the university in order to better serve the requirements of individual students.
When asked about the significance of launching the Digital Media Marketing (DMM) Program, the Vice Chancellor shared his thoughts and accentuated its importance in the light of the digital age, stating that, “The future is Digital Media.” Further he said that like other programs, DMM was also designed to meet specific demands in order to promote creativity and innovation amongst the new generation of students and to reflect a forward-thinking approach to education and skill development to ensure they are well-equipped to thrive in a digitally driven world.
Additionally, Prof. Dr. Iraqi has made sure to promote inclusivity and diversity in the University, by prioritizing the needs of differently-abled students by making them technologically equipped and by offering special consideration for admission into both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, ensuring that these students have the opportunity to join the academic community with a concession in fees to support their participation and integration into society.
“Diversity is about creating an environment where everyone has the tools to succeed, and inclusivity ensures that no one is left behind.”
Professor Iraqi envisions providing them with appropriate opportunities so they can excel in any field without having to be worried about being perceived as differently-abled.
Being a leader of this University for such a long time, Prof. Dr. Iraqi believes that
“True leaders are those who act as an agent of change,”
And his main objective is to create an environment where all students can reach their full potential while enjoying their journey in the University. He emphasizes that leadership demands the courage to take risks, stating,
“Every bold decision carries two possibilities: success or failure but avoiding risks ensures we remain stagnant.”
In his view, embracing risks is not just a choice, it’s a gateway to meaningful progress. Taking risk is the key to success and positive change. The willingness to take calculated risks is a defining quality of effective leadership, driving both personal and institutional growth.
Upon asking how projects like MediaVerse can help students gain hands-on experience and exposure, Prof. Dr. Iraqi stated,
“When we talk about creativity, the writing skill, gradually with the passage of time you develop your expertise”
In his opinion, providing practical experience is an essential element, as this is what polishes the skills of the students and prepares them for the real world. Mr. Iraqi claims that students, too, can bring about change by taking initiatives. He applauds the work of Team MediaVerse, saying,
“I think it’s a good initiative by The Department of Mass Communication where we have provided a platform where students can contribute to this particular magazine and acknowledge the beauty of diversity.”
With so many goals to achieve in the upcoming years, Professor Iraqi’s primary purpose remains the same;
“to encourage entrepreneurship amongst students”.
He values his students and strives to provide them all the tools necessary to put them on the right track for growth and success!
