LAHORE: In a landmark move for Pakistan’s higher education sector,ASU Collaboration Promises New Opportunities for Pakistani Student. Arizona State University (ASU) has partnered with the Government of Pakistan to establish the country’s first ever National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Lahore. The institute is set to begin classes in fall 2025.
The NIT will feature two main schools: the School of Management Sciences and the School of Data Sciences and Information Technology. This collaboration marks the first time an American university is setting up a physical campus in Pakistan.
The initiative, made official in April 2025 at ASU’s Tempe campus, is led by Shahzeb Awan, a University of London graduate, and Jahanzeb Burana, a Harvard MBA. According to ASU, NIT will deliver a high-calibre American curriculum while preserving Pakistan’s cultural identity, preparing students to compete globally through dual degrees, flexible study options, and international exchange programmes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the project as a “significant milestone,” noting that the NIT will not only raise academic standards but also create new job opportunities for Pakistani youth by aligning education with professional skills.
Students will benefit from ASU’s extensive global network, including centres in Washington D.C., California, and over 30 partner universities worldwide, enhancing opportunities for international exposure and career growth.
