Daanish University to Rival Top Global Institutions: PM Shehbaz
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - NOVEMBER 13: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivers a national statement during the high level segment on day three of the UNFCCC COP29 Climate Conference at Baku Stadium on November 13, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The COP29, which is running from November 11 through 22, is bringing together stakeholders, including international heads of state and other leaders, scientists, environmentalists, indigenous peoples representatives, activists and others to discuss and agree on the implementation of global measures towards mitigating the effects of climate change. According to the United Nations, countries made no progress over the last year in reducing global emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that Daanish University of Emerging Sciences in Islamabad will set a new benchmark in education, aiming to be on par with the world’s top universities.
Key Announcements
- Location: 100 acres allocated in Sector H-16, Islamabad
- Academic Focus: Research & Development in modern applied sciences
- Board of Governors: Finalized, comprising brilliant minds in education
- Architectural Design: Red façade campus with state-of-the-art facilities
- Expected Opening: August 14, 2026
Daanish Schools & Educational Vision
PM Shehbaz highlighted the success of Daanish Schools in Punjab, which provide free education, IT labs, and dormitories to orphans and students from underprivileged areas. He praised teachers who left high-paying jobs to serve in these institutions.
Funding & Administration
- £190 million from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) will fund the university.
- No government interference—the university will have full autonomy like PKLI.
- Merit-based admissions, open to students nationwide.
- Trust to be established with Rs. 10 billion in seed funding.
- Self-sustaining model—tuition fees from affluent students will support deserving students.
Government’s Commitment to Education
Minister for Federal Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stressed the importance of science & technology education and vowed to expand similar initiatives nationwide.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, ministers, parliamentarians, and experts.
