Arizona State University to launch National Institute of Technology in Lahore by Fall 2025

ISLAMABAD – In a major boost for higher education in Pakistan, Arizona State University (ASU) is opening the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Lahore, marking the first physical presence of a U.S. university in the country.

Slated to welcome its first students in Fall 2025, NIT will offer degrees through two initial schools: the School of Management Sciences and the School of Data Sciences and Information Technology. The institute will follow an American-style curriculum, tailored to meet Pakistan’s academic and cultural landscape.

Behind this groundbreaking collaboration are Shahzeb Awan, a University of London-trained lawyer, and Jahanzeb Burana, a finance professional with a degree from Harvard. The partnership with ASU was formalized in April 2025 at the university’s Tempe campus in the United States.

ASU has confirmed that students will receive a high-quality, globally competitive education, with access to dual-degree options, international exchange programs, and the chance to study abroad at ASU campuses or through its Cintana Alliance network, which spans 30+ institutions worldwide.

The institute aims to produce graduates equipped with the skills required for success in both local and international markets.

Following a meeting with ASU leaders on July 24, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the move as a milestone for Pakistan’s educational development.

“This partnership marks a new era for Pakistan’s youth, giving them world-class opportunities right at home,” he stated.

With NIT’s launch, Pakistan is set to advance its position in the global education space, offering new academic pathways and generating employment for faculty, staff, and professionals.