DNA
Lahore, Pakistan – In a major development for Pakistan’s higher education sector, Arizona State University (ASU), ranked among the top institutions in the United States, has partnered exclusively with the newly established National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Lahore. This milestone collaboration, formalized through the ASU-Cintana Alliance, marks ASU’s first official presence in Pakistan and a new era of globally integrated education.
Scheduled to commence academic operations in October 2025, NIT has been granted its federal charter by the Government of Pakistan on January 25, 2025. With this, NIT becomes the country’s first institution to offer dual degree programs conferred jointly by NIT and ASU, coupled with access to a global consortium of over 30 universities across six continents through the ASU-Cintana Alliance.
The signing ceremony was held at ASU’s Tempe campus on April 16, 2025, in partnership with Cintana Education, ASU’s global implementation arm focused on delivering world-class learning experiences internationally.
Founded by University of London trained lawyer Shahzeb Awan and Harvard MBA Jahanzeb Burana, NIT will open its flagship campus near DHA Phase 7 in Lahore, launching initially with two academic divisions:
• The School of Business Studies
• The School of Digital Technologies
Appointed as Vice Chancellor, Dr. Faisal Bari, a respected scholar in Pakistani and international academia, will lead NIT with a vision to establish it as a Tier 1 institution focused on innovation, research excellence, and industry relevance.
“Some journeys begin with ambition,” said Co-Founder Shahzeb Awan. “Mine began with loss, guided by faith and powered by a mission to serve.”
“NIT is set to redefine the higher education landscape of the country and be a platform for nurturing world-class talent,” remarked Co-Founder Jahanzeb Burana.
By combining globally aligned curricula, international student exchange opportunities, and industry driven certifications, NIT aims to equip the next generation of Pakistani students with the tools to succeed in today’s innovation driven global economy.
This initiative reflects a transformative step toward bridging local aspirations with global standards, offering Pakistani youth access to educational opportunities once available only abroad, now in the heart of Lahore.
