ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday unveiled an ambitious vision for Daanish University, emphasising its potential to lead the country into the global knowledge economy through international academic partnerships and cutting-edge research. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the university’s board of trustees, the prime minister outlined his plans to position the institution at the forefront of global scientific and technological innovation. “This university will not just meet global standards; it will set new benchmarks for excellence,” he declared, stressing the importance of collaboration with international academic experts to develop a curriculum that prepares the country’s youth for the challenges of the 21st century. Sharif added that Daanish University’s role would extend beyond its infrastructure. “It’s about creating an academic space where ideas and research can flourish,” he said, highlighting the need for a culture of intellectual innovation. A key element of the university’s strategy will be attracting world-class faculty and fostering high-impact research. The prime minister emphasised that the university must align its academic efforts with global needs and ensure that its faculty members are leaders in their fields. “We need to develop a strategy to recruit top-tier faculty who can drive innovation and research,” he stated. “This university must not only be a place of learning but a symbol of Pakistan’s academic rigour and national pride.” Sharif also highlighted the importance of inclusivity, calling for efforts to ensure that students from all regions, including remote areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, have access to the university’s offerings. “Deserving students from every corner of Pakistan should have equal opportunities to benefit from Daanish University,” he added. In a move aimed at widening access to higher education, he also called for awareness campaigns to be launched in public schools across the country to inform students about the opportunities available at Daanish University. During the meeting, senior officials briefed attendees on the progress of the university’s establishment. They said that a Project Management Unit has already been set up to oversee the construction and operationalisation of the university. The university’s charter has been approved by the Ministry of Law and Justice and is now awaiting final approval from both the Cabinet and Parliament. In a bid to expand the university’s outreach, they added, plans for a nationwide awareness programme were also revealed. Additionally, they said that training camps will be organised in various regions of the country to guide prospective students through the admissions process. They said that the university is not just a local initiative; it is a national project that will provide opportunities for students across the entire country. The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Federal Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Azam Nazir Tarar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Cheema, and senior officials and members of the board of trustees of the university. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025