American-Pakistani business tycoon Tanweer Ahmed has made a significant philanthropic contribution by generously donating $9 million (over Rs2.5 billion) to the National University of Science & Technology (NUST) in Islamabad.
This noteworthy donation aims to create opportunities for students hailing from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with a particular focus on providing scholarships for quality education.
NUST, in an official acknowledgment, has confirmed the establishment of Ahmed’s Endowment Fund, which is designed to benefit nearly 200 underprivileged students annually. This contribution stands out as one of the largest donations made by an overseas Pakistani to a university in Pakistan, reflecting Ahmed’s commitment to supporting education in his home country.
In an interview, Ahmed expressed his broader vision to extend this initiative beyond NUST, making the scholarship program a permanent fixture at the university. A formal ceremony is scheduled at NUST Islamabad next month, and it is expected to be attended by top leadership figures in Pakistan, signifying the official launch of the scholarship program.
Ahmed’s philanthropic efforts are particularly focused on creating opportunities for deserving students through a merit-based system. The scholarships, facilitated annually through the Higher Education Commission (HEC), are intended to assist students who may face financial barriers in pursuing education in advanced sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Technology (IT).
This substantial donation not only underscores the generosity of an individual but also highlights the crucial role that philanthropy plays in fostering educational accessibility and addressing financial challenges for deserving students in Pakistan. Ahmed’s commitment to expanding this initiative to other universities signals a positive step towards creating a lasting impact on the landscape of higher education in the country.
