A delegation comprised of representatives from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Lahore, and Arizona State University (ASU) called on Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Cheema, in order to brief him regarding the collaboration between both partners.

The Minister welcomed the participants and especially acknowledged Mr. Doug Becker, Chairman of Cintana Education, for his outstanding work and continued commitment to improving access and quality in higher education across the globe. He appreciated Cintana Education’s role in helping universities modernize through research collaborations, faculty development, and advanced learning tools in partnership with ASU.

In the meeting, the Minister expressed confidence that the collaboration between NIT and ASU will open up opportunities for Pakistani students, including access to world-class academic resources, research partnerships, and exchange programs.

The Minister highlighted that the achievements of Arizona State University in the field of science and technology will be highly beneficial for Pakistan, offering valuable learning opportunities for Pakistani students. He also praised the institution for ranking in the top 1% of universities worldwide based on academic quality and graduate employability.

He also congratulated Mr. Shahzeb Awan on taking charge as the Chancellor of NIT Lahore, commending his entrepreneurial vision and leadership in bringing a prestigious global partnership to Pakistan at such a young age.

Mr. Cheema reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening higher education. He shared that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has been allocated over Rs. 100 billion in the current fiscal year, reflecting the importance placed on education in national planning.

The delegation also appreciated the Government of Pakistan’s continued support for the higher education sector. They welcomed the emphasis on research, innovation, and international collaboration, expressing optimism that such priorities would help foster a globally competitive academic environment in the country. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing academic excellence through meaningful international collaboration.