Islamabad 1 August: In a milestone development for Pakistan’s higher education sector, Arizona State University (ASU) has partnered with Pakistan to launch the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Lahore, marking the first physical campus of a U.S. university in the country.
Scheduled to open for classes in Fall 2025, the institute will house two core academic divisions: the School of Management Sciences and the School of Data Sciences and Information Technology. NIT will offer an American-standard curriculum customized to suit Pakistan’s academic needs and cultural context.
The initiative is being led by Shahzeb Awan, a University of London-trained lawyer, and Jahanzeb Burana, a Harvard-educated finance professional. The formal agreement was signed in April 2025 at ASU’s Tempe campus in the United States.
ASU representatives noted that the institute will provide a student-focused academic experience, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete globally. A key feature of the collaboration is the dual degree pathway, allowing students to earn qualifications from both ASU and NIT. Students will also have opportunities to study at ASU campuses in the U.S. and with over 30 partner institutions through the ASU-Cintana Alliance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with ASU officials on July 24 and welcomed the collaboration as a transformative step in Pakistan’s education landscape.
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“NIT will be a world-class institution that empowers our youth to thrive in global markets,” he said, reaffirming the government’s support for modern, career-oriented education.
The launch of NIT is expected to expand academic opportunities, generate employment, and elevate Pakistan’s role in the international higher education community.
