Dr. Nadeem A. Malik Drives AI Leadership at University

From Village Roots to Tech Leadership:

The Journey of Dr. Nadeem A. Malik

Dr. Nadeem A. Malik, currently serving as Director of IT Services at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, exemplifies the power of perseverance, education, and visionary thinking. From a humble beginning in a rural village to leading IT transformation in a major university, Dr. Malik’s story is one of dedication, faith, and forward-thinking.

Q: Tell us about your early life and educational journey.

Dr. Malik:

I was born on March 26, 1977, in Village Shakarkot, District Gujrat. My father, Haji Muhammad Ashraf Malik, has always been a source of inspiration for me. I began my early education at Government Model Secondary School, where I earned a scholarship in the 8th grade. I passed Matriculation with an A-1 grade and completed my F.Sc. from F.G. Secondary School, Rawalpindi, with an A grade.

Later, I pursued a Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons.) at International Islamic University, Rawalpindi, where I again secured an A grade. I completed my MS in Computer Science from Iqra University, Islamabad, with an A-1 grade. In 2017, I joined the PhD program in Computer Science at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University and achieved a perfect CGPA of 4.0/4.0. My research focused on Artificial Intelligence.

Q: How did your professional career begin and evolve over the years?

Dr. Malik:

I began my career in 1999 at Radio Pakistan as an IT Expert. In January 2005, I was honored with an Appreciation Letter for Best Performance. I later joined PMAS-Arid Agriculture University as a Software Developer, was promoted to Database Administrator (DBA) in 2011, and in 2013, I was appointed as Director of IT Services. Since then, I have also been handling the additional responsibility of Principal Officer, Public Relations and Publications.

For my contributions, I received Best Performance Certificate from the university. With over 25 years in the IT field, I am proud to have organized and participated in many national and international conferences, which promote innovation, academic excellence, and collaborative learning.

Q: What has been your contribution to research and academia in recent years?

Dr. Malik:

In addition to administrative responsibilities, I have published two international research papers in Artificial Intelligence. I believe in contributing to scientific progress while maintaining a balance between practical innovation and academic rigor.

Q: You’ve had a long academic journey. Who would you like to thank for your success?

Dr. Malik:

I am deeply grateful to Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman for his exceptional guidance throughout my PhD journey. I also owe thanks to Dr. Yasir Hafeez, Dr. Saud Altaf, and Dr. Azeem Abbas for their valuable support.

My parents have been my pillars—my father with his encouragement and my mother through her constant prayers. I’m especially thankful to my wife, who took care of our children and home during my PhD, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my research.

Q: What are your thoughts on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the world?

Dr. Malik:

AI is transforming every facet of our lives—from healthcare and education to business and everyday convenience. Its benefits are immense: it automates routine tasks, supports data-driven decision-making, and offers solutions to global issues like climate change and disease diagnosis.

However, AI also raises serious concerns—job displacement, privacy breaches, data security, and ethical risks, especially with biased algorithms or surveillance misuse. To those aspiring to enter the AI field, I recommend building a strong foundation in math, computer science, and ethics. Stay curious and aim to develop technology that benefits humanity.

Q: Should AI education be part of our curriculum today?

Dr. Malik:

Absolutely. Integrating AI into the curriculum is essential—not only for technical skill-building but also for encouraging critical thinking. Interdisciplinary education, where AI intersects with law, healthcare, or the arts, will produce well-rounded innovators who understand both the power and responsibility that comes with this technology.

Q: What message would you like to share with the youth of Pakistan?

Dr. Malik:

We are living in a digital era where Computer Science is the backbone of progress and global transformation. From smartphones to AI, everything depends on technology.

Choosing Computer Science opens countless opportunities. It allows young people to solve real-world problems and develop impactful applications. If you’re passionate about technology, now is the time to cultivate those skills.

Q: What are the most in-demand fields in Computer Science today?

Dr. Malik:

Some of the top fields students should focus on include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)
• Data Science & Big Data Analytics
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud Computing
• Robotics & Automation
• Internet of Things (IoT)

These areas are not just trending—they’re shaping the future of industries both nationally and internationally.

Q: Is a degree enough for success in the IT industry?

Dr. Malik:

In today’s competitive market, a Computer Science degree alone is not enough. You must pair it with a strong technical skill—whether it’s programming, web development, cybersecurity, data analysis, or AI. Real-world application and a strong portfolio matter more than ever.

Think of a degree without skills as a vehicle without fuel—it may look complete but won’t go anywhere. In the private sector, employers prioritize skill and experience, even over formal degrees. However, in the public sector, having a recognized degree is mandatory for eligibility, regardless of skill.

Q: A final personal note—how do you balance spirituality and professional life?

Dr. Malik:

In 2023, I had the privilege of performing Umrah. I prayed sincerely for Pakistan’s prosperity and peace, and for the well-being of Muslims worldwide, especially in Palestine and Kashmir. Faith and service go hand in hand—I try to keep both at the center of my work and life.