Tanweer Ahmed, a prominent American-Pakistani businessman and philanthropist based in Houston, has generously donated $9 million to Islamabad’s National University of Science & Technology (NUST).
This substantial contribution aims to support students from underprivileged backgrounds by establishing an Endowment Fund, which will provide scholarships to nearly 200 students annually. Notably, this donation stands as one of the largest ever made by an overseas Pakistani to a university in Pakistan.
In a recent interview, Tanweer Ahmed revealed his plans to extend the scholarship program to other universities, making it a permanent initiative. He emphasized that the selection process for scholarships, facilitated through the Higher Education Commission (HEC), will be strictly based on merit, benefiting those students who lack the financial means for quality education. Ahmed expressed his dedication to assisting talented individuals, particularly in fields crucial to the future, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology (IT).
Tanweer Ahmed, recognized for his diverse business ventures, including the ownership of the largest cricket complex in Houston and various food chain franchises, highlighted his commitment to philanthropy. Originating from Sialkot, Pakistan, he shared his personal journey of starting with humble beginnings in the United States, evolving from a student working in a restaurant to a successful entrepreneur with businesses spanning transportation, energy, and medicine.
Motivated by his own modest background and practical insights into the challenges faced by Pakistani youth, Tanweer Ahmed emphasized the importance of overseas Pakistanis contributing to the development of their homeland. He stressed the need for philanthropic efforts to empower the youth with modern education and knowledge. Ahmed has previously contributed to Pakistan by establishing a hospital in Sialkot and providing aid during the 2022 floods.
NUST Rector Engineer Javed Mahmood Bukhari commended Tanweer Ahmed’s transformative partnership, noting that the investment in NUST’s science and technology park will create an endowment benefiting financially disadvantaged students. This innovative collaboration, the first of its kind in any public sector university in Pakistan, is expected to have a significant societal impact by positively influencing the lives of thousands of Pakistani families.
Engineer Javed Mahmood Bukhari expressed pride in the partnership, underscoring NUST’s commitment to advancing educational equity and making a positive economic impact. With approximately twenty thousand students, NUST Islamabad is among Pakistan’s most sought-after universities.
