American-Pakistani businessman tycoon donates $9 million to NUST

HOUSTON: American-Pakistani business tycoon Tanweer Ahmed has denoted $9 million to Islamabad’s National University of Science & Technology (NUST). The contribution aims to facilitate underprivileged students in accessing quality education through scholarships, benefiting approximately 200 students.

In an official statement, NUST has affirmed the establishment of a partnership with Tanweer Ahmed through an Endowment Fund specifically designed for disadvantaged students. This initiative ensures that nearly 200 students annually will have the opportunity to receive scholarships, marking it as one of the most significant single donations by any overseas Pakistani to a Pakistani university.

Who is Tanweer Ahmed?

Tanweer Ahmed is an American-Pakistani businessman, investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who collaborates with major companies, not-for-profit organisations, and hospitals. He is the proprietor of Houston’s largest cricket complex, the Prairie View Cricket Complex, and the owner of the Houston Hurricanes cricket franchise. This multi-millionaire entrepreneur is the founder of a food chain brand and possesses various food chain franchises such as Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC. Additionally, he owns California’s largest transport company and holds business interests in the energy sector and the medicine industry.

Tanweer Ahmed is renowned for his humanitarian efforts, notably contributing over $50 million in aid to Pakistan during the devastating floods in 2022.

Tanveer Ahmed has also established a hospital in Sialkot.

In an interview, Tanweer Ahmed expressed his vision to extend the scholarship program to other universities, emphasising a commitment to fostering accessible education. He envisions the donation scheme becoming a permanent fixture at NUST, promoting lasting positive impacts on students’ lives.

Tanweer Ahmed further revealed plans for a formal ceremony scheduled to take place at NUST Islamabad next month. The event is expected to be attended by prominent leaders in Pakistan, underlining the significance of private-sector support in advancing the education sector.

He said: “We didn’t have the opportunities 30 years ago that the students can have today. I don’t think there were many successful Pakistanis in the 90s in the US or Europe. Today there are thousands who have done well in life. I am just one of them. Many are helping Pakistan today with everything they can. More Pakistanis need to come out with their philanthropic efforts than ever before”, said Tanveer Ahmed.

The Houston-based businessman hails from Sialkot and initially worked in a restaurant. He went on to establish multiple businesses and successful companies.

“The deserving students would get scholarships annually through the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The system to obtain scholarships will be purely on merit and aimed strictly at those students who are unable to afford quality and expensive education. I decided to launch the Endowment Fund to assist talented and deserving Pakistani students in order for them to make their mark in various advanced sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology (IT) and the latest technologies. The future belongs to these sectors and Pakistan will benefit hugely from its youth.”

He said: “We didn’t have the opportunities 30 years ago that the students can have today. I don’t think there were many successful Pakistanis in the 90s in the US or Europe. Today there are thousands who have done well in life. I am just one of them. Many are helping Pakistan today with everything they can. More Pakistanis need to come out with their philanthropic efforts than ever before.”

Tanweer Ahmed said that overseas Pakistanis owe it to Pakistan to serve the country of their origin and identity. “We owe to our motherland because we are where we are because of Pakistan. Our best contribution can be made through empowering our youth with modern education and knowledge. I am happy to play my part in helping Pakistani youth in achieving their goals in life.”