In a landmark move for Pakistan’s higher education sector, Arizona State University (ASU) has joined hands with Pakistan to establish the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Lahore, marking the first physical campus presence of a U.S. university in the country.
Scheduled to commence classes in Fall 2025, NIT will comprise two core academic divisions: the School of Management Sciences and the School of Data Sciences and Information Technology. The institute will deliver an American-standard curriculum adapted to Pakistan’s cultural values and academic needs.
The initiative is being driven by Shahzeb Awan, a University of London-trained lawyer, and Jahanzeb Burana, a Harvard-educated finance professional. The formal partnership was sealed in April 2025 at ASU’s Tempe campus in the United States.
ASU officials highlighted that the institute is designed to provide a student-focused learning experience, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge to compete in a global marketplace.
The collaboration also introduces dual degree pathways, enabling students to earn qualifications from both ASU and NIT, with the flexibility to study in Pakistan and at ASU campuses abroad. Moreover, students will have access to exchange and study abroad programs through ASU’s international network, including campuses in Washington D.C., California, and over 30 partner institutions via the ASU-Cintana Alliance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after meeting ASU representatives on July 24, praised the partnership as a transformative step for Pakistan’s education sector.
“NIT will be a world-class institution that empowers our youth to thrive in global markets,” he remarked, reaffirming the government’s commitment to modern, job-oriented education.
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The launch of NIT is expected to open new academic avenues, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Pakistan’s standing in the international academic community.
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