LAHORE: The National Institute of Technology (NIT), powered by Arizona State University (ASU), will open in Fall-2025, offering Pakistani students dual Pakistani and American degrees in high-demand fields.

As an ASU-Cintana Alliance partner, the NIT aims to redefine higher education in Pakistan by providing access to world-class programmes, international exchanges and industry-aligned certifications.

NIT Lahore, founded by Shahzeb Awan and Jahanzeb Burana, received its federal charter on Jan 25, 2025, and will commence operations in October 2025. The partnership, formalised at ASU’s Tempe campus on April 16, 2025, connects the NIT students to a global network of over 30 universities via the ASU-Cintana Alliance, offering dual-degree pathways. Initially, the NIT will launch a campus in Lahore with the School of Business Studies and the School of Digital Technologies.

According to Shahzeb Awan, his mission is to serve, reflecting NIT’s commitment to addressing Pakistan’s evolving needs. “The NIT will bring innovative US education to Pakistan with an initial campus in Lahore and two starting schools—School of Business Studies and School of Digital Technologies. Through the ASU-Cintana Alliance, the NIT will shape future leaders by offering industry-driven programmes and address the evolving needs of Pakistan.”

Jahanzeb Burana added that the NIT will redefine the higher education landscape and nurture world-class talent.

“As the first American university in Pakistan, NIT is set to redefine the higher education landscape of the country and be a platform for nurturing world-class talent,” he added.

Dr Faisal Bari, the vice chancellor, aims to position the NIT as a Tier 1 institution focused on employability, innovation, and excellence, offering a transformative learning experience. “The NIT will offer a transformative learning experience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the evolving global economy,” he said.

“It is our university’s charter mission to make a world-class higher education accessible to qualified learners, regardless of their background and geography,” said Nancy Gonzales, executive vice president and university provost, at Arizona State University.

“As Pakistan’s first American university, NIT opens new doors for talented students—offering access to dual degrees, global learning opportunities, and top-ranked programs. The NIT will prepare students to lead in a fast-changing world and contribute meaningfully to the future of Pakistan,” said Douglas L. Becker, founder and chairman of Cintana Education.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2025