Karachi, Pakistan — October 29, 2025: In a landmark move to bridge academia and industry, Sindh Madressatul Islam University’s (SMIU) Faculty of Information Technology and iCreativez Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 29, 2025.
The signing ceremony, held at the prestigious Senate Hall of SMIU, marks a significant step toward joint initiatives in technology innovation, research, and skill development—empowering Pakistan’s next generation of IT professionals.
Key Figures at the Signing Ceremony
The MoU was formally signed by:
- Prof. Dr. Abdul Hafeez Khan, Dean, Faculty of Information Technology, SMIU
- Mr. Mehboob Shar, Founder & CEO, iCreativez Technologies
Also present at the event were iCreativez team members Safdar Ali and Tayyaba Naz, representing the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration.
A Historic Venue for Future-Focused Partnerships
The Senate Hall at SMIU, nestled in the heart of Karachi’s historic Serai Quarter, served as the ideal backdrop for this forward-thinking alliance. Founded in 1885 as one of South Asia’s oldest educational institutions—where Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah himself studied from 1887 to 1892—SMIU has evolved into a chartered university recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. Today, it offers undergraduate and master’s programs across diverse fields, with the Faculty of Information Technology leading in software engineering, computer science, and emerging technologies.
Dean Prof. Dr. Abdul Hafeez Khan, a PhD holder in Computer Science from Hamdard University and a veteran educator since 2005, emphasized the MoU’s potential during the ceremony. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to produce industry-ready graduates. By partnering with iCreativez, we’re not just teaching theory—we’re igniting practical innovation that can transform lives and economies,” Khan remarked. His leadership, including roles as Advisor on Academic Affairs, has positioned SMIU as a hub for research with over 240 ranked scientists contributing to global citations in fields like software engineering and ontology.
Mehboob Ali Shar, whose journey from a rural Sindh village to global SEO stardom was recently highlighted in his TEDxLyari talk, echoed the enthusiasm. “At iCreativez, we’ve always believed in empowering youth through technology. This MoU with SMIU opens doors for mentorship, internships, and groundbreaking research—turning classroom knowledge into real-world impact,” Shar stated. Accompanied by team members Safdar Ali and Tayyaba Naz, Shar’s presence highlighted iCreativez’s hands-on approach to collaboration.
iCreativez Technologies: A Catalyst for Digital Empowerment
Since its inception in 2008, iCreativez Technologies has grown from a one-man startup into a global IT firm with offices in Karachi, Jamshoro, Nawabshah, Sukkur, and Washington, D.C. Employing over 220 professionals, the company specializes in web and mobile app development, SEO, and IT consulting. With a 300% annual growth rate and a 4.8-star rating on Clutch, iCreativez has served clients in 18 countries.
Shar, recognized by Google as a top SEO expert and honored by Sindh’s Chief Secretary in 2024, has a proven track record of industry-academia synergy. Recent MoUs with Sindh Agriculture University and Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University reflect his commitment to skill development and youth empowerment.
Implications for Pakistan’s Tech Ecosystem
In a country where the IT industry is projected to contribute $5 billion to exports by 2029, partnerships like this are vital. The MoU addresses key gaps in skill development, with plans for joint research on AI-driven applications and SEO for sustainable development—potentially benefiting underserved communities in Sindh. For students, it promises internships and real-project exposure; for researchers, access to iCreativez’s cutting-edge tools and international networks.
As Pakistan positions itself as a digital hub, collaborations between storied institutions like SMIU and dynamic firms like iCreativez signal a brighter future. “This isn’t just an agreement; it’s a blueprint for inclusive growth,” noted an attendee from the event.
