In a major development for Pakistan’s higher education system, Arizona State University has partnered with the country to set up the National Institute of Technology in Lahore, marking the first physical campus of a U.S. university in Pakistan.
Classes at the institute are set to begin in Fall 2025, offering programs under two main academic divisions, the School of Management Sciences and the School of Data Sciences and Information Technology.
The curriculum will follow American academic standards, tailored to align with Pakistan’s cultural context and educational needs.
This initiative is being led by Shahzeb Awan, a lawyer trained at the University of London, and Jahanzeb Burana, a finance expert educated at Harvard. The formal agreement was signed in April 2025 at ASU’s main campus in Tempe, Arizona.
ASU representatives emphasized that the new institute aims to offer a student-centered education, preparing graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in global industries.
The partnership will also offer dual degree options, allowing students to earn degrees from both ASU and NIT.
Learners will have the option to study in Pakistan or at ASU’s international campuses, with access to exchange and study abroad opportunities through ASU’s global network, including campuses in Washington, D.C., California, and over 30 other partner institutions through the ASU-Cintana Alliance.
Following a meeting with ASU representatives on July 24, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the collaboration a groundbreaking achievement for Pakistan’s academic sector.
“NIT will be a world-class institution that empowers our youth to thrive in global markets,” he said, reaffirming the government’s support for education that is modern and career-focused.
The launch of NIT is expected to bring new educational opportunities, generate jobs, and boost Pakistan’s role in the global academic community.