In a landmark decision, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has allocated £190 million (Rs54 billion) from the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) for an educational revolution in Pakistan.
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These funds, previously at the center of a legal controversy involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan, will now be used to construct a state-of-the-art research university and establish schools in underprivileged areas.
Daanish University of Emerging Technologies: A Game Changer
One of the flagship initiatives under this funding is the construction of the Daanish University of Emerging Technologies in Islamabad. The aim of this institution to provide the best and good education system in the advanced fields, to helping in the growth of the country of Pakistan in innovation and technology. Some of it’s fund will also use to build up more Daanish Schools.
These schools, which started in 2010, give good and best education to those children whose are from poor families. New schools will be built in the country of Pakistan in the poorest areas to make sure that all children have equal access to education.
- Ensuring Educational Access to the Most Vulnerable
- The admission criteria for Daanish Schools remain focused on helping the most disadvantaged students:
- Preference given to orphans and children from the poorest families, as per the Benazir Income Support Card registry.
- Equal distribution of seats between boys and girls to promote gender equality.
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Transparency and Oversight: A Special Governance Model
To ensure transparent and efficient utilization of the funds, the government has implemented a multi-tiered oversight structure:
- A 11-member steering committee chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will provide strategic guidelines.
- A 10-member expert committee led by Ahsan Iqbal will finalize school locations and academic programs.
- An independent oversight body will monitor fund utilization and prevent mismanagement.
Furthermore, these funds will be managed separately from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to ensure they do not lapse at the end of the fiscal year. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be set up to facilitate sustainable fund allocation.
Historical Context: The Al-Qadir Trust Case and Fund Repurposing
The £190 million settlement from the UK’s NCA was originally transferred into a Supreme Court of Pakistan account in 2019. Under Imran Khan’s government, this amount was controversially adjusted against private liabilities, leading to his 14-year conviction in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
In contrast, the Shehbaz Sharif administration has now redirected these funds toward public education, marking a significant policy shift.
Daanish University: A Vision for the Future
The government has outlined an ambitious vision for the Daanish University of Emerging Technologies, which will:
- Operate as an independent trust with operational autonomy.
- Establish collaborations with international centers of excellence for research and faculty exchange.
- Offer cutting-edge programs in AI, data science, and emerging technologies.
- Include a 20-bed research hospital to support healthcare innovation.
- Fast-Track Development: 18-Month Completion Target
The PM-led steering committee will oversee the legislation, land allocation (via Capital Development Authority), and governance model to ensure the university’s swift completion within 18 months.
Impact and Future Prospects
By prioritizing education and technological advancement, the Pakistani government aims to uplift underprivileged communities and equip the next generation with skills for the digital age. This initiative sets a new precedent for ethical governance and equitable resource allocation.
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