PM Shehbaz opens NIT – first US university in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the operational launch of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) – the “first and only American university in Pakistan.”

According to APP, the PM held a detailed meeting after the inauguration with a delegation from Arizona State University (ASU) led by Doug Becker, Founder and Chairman of Cintana Education held at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Discussions during the meeting focused on the operationalization of the NIT, set to commence this year. Doug Becker assured full support from ASU in providing resources and facilities to advance innovation in Pakistan’s education system.

On the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revolutionizing Pakistan’s education sector through the integration of cutting-edge technology and global partnerships with the support of the Arizona State University.

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He praised the collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU) as a transformative step, particularly the establishment of the NIT in Pakistan. “This partnership is a significant milestone. The NIT will serve as a world-class institution that trains Pakistani youth to compete globally,” he said.

According to ASU website, the NIT will open in fall 2025 with two inaugural schools – the School of Management Sciences and the School of Data Sciences and Information Technology.

Moreover, PM Shehbaz highlighted that aligning Pakistan’s education system with international standards was a top government priority.

He emphasized the need to modernize education and equip the country’s youth with professional and technical skills essential for competing in global markets.

“All government education policies are centered around creating employment opportunities for youth based on their professional capabilities,” he stated.

‘NAVTTC should now work with ASU’

The PM noted that the government has undertaken key reforms in the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) over the past year, making it a more efficient and effective institution.

He directed that NAVTTC should now work closely with ASU to bring innovation to the vocational training sector.

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The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and senior officials from relevant institutions.