Islamabad, March 15, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has laid the foundation stone of Daanish University, a £190 million (Rs 60 billion) project aimed at providing world-class higher education in Pakistan.
Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and former chief justice Qazi Faez Isa for facilitating the transfer of £190 million to the national treasury. This amount, originally seized by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), was repatriated to Pakistan and later transferred from the Supreme Court to the federal government’s account.
The £190 million stems from the controversial Al-Qadir Trust case, in which former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were convicted for their alleged role in “adjusting” assets worth £190 million belonging to a property tycoon. During Khan’s tenure, an agreement was made to deposit this amount in the Supreme Court on behalf of the businessman, but shortly afterward, the Al-Qadir Trust was established—raising allegations that the deal was designed to legitimize the recovered assets. Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison, while Bushra Bibi received a seven-year sentence in connection with the case.
Highlighting the significance of the project, PM Shehbaz assured that Daanish University would provide equitable access to education, with free tuition for underprivileged students. The university aims to become a leading global institution, featuring top-tier faculty and research centres. The first phase is expected to be operational by August 14, 2026.
The prime minister further announced that a trust would govern the university independently, ensuring no government interference. An initial Rs 10 billion in seed funding will be provided, with future operations supported by fees from affluent students while scholarships cover those in need.
Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal underscored that the university is being established with public funds that the previous government allegedly mishandled. He added that the institution would serve as a hub for cutting-edge research in AI, biotechnology, robotics, and space sciences, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Global partnerships will also be sought to position Daanish University as a centre of technological innovation.
