In a groundbreaking first for Pakistan’s higher education sector, Arizona State University (ASU), a leading US-based institution, has partnered with local stakeholders to establish the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Lahore. The university will comprise two core schools — the School of Management Sciences and the School of Data Sciences and Information Technology — with classes scheduled to begin in Fall 2025.
This collaboration marks the first-ever on-ground presence of an American university in Pakistan. Spearheaded by Shahzeb Awan, a University of London-trained lawyer, and Jahanzeb Burana, a Harvard MBA graduate with a strong background in finance, the partnership was formally sealed in April 2025 at ASU’s Tempe campus in the United States.
ASU describes the NIT as “a student-centric institution designed to equip Pakistani and international students to compete globally through a high-calibre American curriculum and immersive learning experience.” While adopting US academic standards, the university pledges to respect local values and cultural identity, all while forging strong ties with industry.
Students will benefit from dual-degree options, enabling them to earn qualifications from both NIT and ASU. They can choose to complete their programmes entirely in Pakistan or split their studies between Pakistan and international campuses. Opportunities will extend beyond the US, with exchange programmes available at more than 30 partner universities worldwide through the ASU-Cintana Alliance.
The initiative is also expected to create significant employment opportunities. During a meeting with ASU representatives on July 24, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the project as a “significant milestone,” noting that NIT will prepare Pakistani youth to excel on the global stage. He reaffirmed the government’s focus on education policies aimed at enhancing professional skills and boosting employability for the country’s young workforce.
This landmark venture is set to open new academic and career pathways for Pakistani students, blending American educational excellence with local accessibility.
