ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday laid the foundation stone for Daanish University, a £190 million (Rs 60 billion) project aimed at providing high-quality education across Pakistan.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister thanked Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and former chief justice Qazi Faez Isa for facilitating the transfer of funds that made the project possible. The money, originally recovered by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and later transferred from the Supreme Court to the federal treasury, is now being used to establish the university.
The funds are linked to the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, in which former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced for their involvement in a deal related to assets seized by the UK’s NCA.
Daanish University to Operate Independently
PM Shehbaz Sharif vowed that the university would operate independently, with no government involvement in its administration.
- Admissions will be merit-based, with students from all provinces eligible to enroll.
- Underprivileged students will receive free education, while wealthier students will pay fees to help sustain the institution.
- The first phase of the university is expected to become operational by August 14, 2026.
- A Board of Governors has been finalized to ensure the university operates autonomously.
A Global-Standard University
The prime minister emphasized that Daanish University would establish itself as a world-class institution, featuring:
- Top-tier faculty
- Cutting-edge research centers
- Education in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biotechnology, Robotics, and Space Sciences
Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that the university would serve as a hub for innovation and industrial growth, bridging the gap between academia and industry. He also noted that global partnerships would be sought for technology transfer, ensuring that graduates become leaders in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
With an initial Rs 10 billion government endowment, Daanish University is expected to evolve into a self-sustaining institution, fostering innovation, research, and economic development in Pakistan.
