ISLAMABAD: The federal government is planning to impose a levy on tobacco products to cover the operational cost of the proposed Daanish University set to be built in the federal capital.

This was decided in a review meeting on the project presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema and officials from relevant departments.

Sources said, among other matters, the proposed levy was also discussed.

Education ministry writes letter to FBR following PM Shehbaz’s directive

The prime minister was informed that following his recent directive, the education ministry had written to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) regarding the imposition of the levy on tobacco products to help the university meet its expenses once it was completed.

The meeting was also informed that a roadshow had recently been held in China and Turkiye. The aim was to attract renowned consultancy firms, explore emerging technology courses and discuss student exchange programmes with foreign universities.

According to officials, 12 international consultancy firms, mainly from Turkiye and China, and three local firms participated in the bidding process.

Sources said bids were opened on June 16 and the evaluation process was currently under way.

The lowest bidder will finalise the project design and oversee its implementation.

The meeting was further informed that the university’s charter had been finalised by the education ministry and shared with the Planning Commission for vetting. The trust deed has also been prepared and is currently being vetted.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that providing equal educational and developmental opportunities to economically disadvantaged children remained one of the government’s top priorities.

He directed that educational facilities in Daanish schools and the university project should align with international standards.

The prime minister also called for the establishment of a world-class digital library as part of the project.

He further directed the provision of smart boards, e-libraries and other modern facilities in all Daanish schools to meet contemporary educational needs.

It is relevant to note that the federal government is constructing five Daanish schools in Balochistan, one in Karachi, three in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, three in Chitral and three in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Daanish University is being constructed using the £190 million returned to Pakistan by the UK government after it was seized from a Pakistani property tycoon.

Part of this amount will fund the university, while the remaining funds will be spent on other educational initiatives. Additionally, a portion of the tobacco levy will be used mainly for the university’s running costs.

The prime minister has called for early completion of the project.

During a visit to the university site in Islamabad’s Sector H-16 in March, he stressed the need to expedite pre-construction work.

He had also expressed the hope that the university would become a model institution in Pakistan and achieve global recognition for the quality of its education, research, and focus on applied sciences.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2025