In a monumental gesture of philanthropy, Pakistani-American businessman Tanweer Ahmed has donated a staggering $9 million to Islamabad’s prestigious National University of Science & Technology (NUST).
The contribution aims to facilitate students from underprivileged backgrounds, offering them access to quality education through scholarships.
NUST officially confirmed the partnership, revealing that Tanweer Ahmed has established an Endowment Fund dedicated to supporting disadvantaged students. This fund is expected to benefit nearly 200 students annually, marking one of the most substantial donations by an overseas Pakistani to any university in Pakistan.
Transformative Impact on Education
NUST Rector Engineer Javed Mahmood Bukhari expressed gratitude, stating that Tanweer Ahmed’s donation will perpetually benefit thousands of talented Pakistani students, enabling them to pursue a world-class university education.
“Tanweer Ahmed is making approximately nine million dollars worth of investment in the university’s science and technology park, such that 50% of income of the project will go into a specially formed endowment for the students with humble financial backgrounds,” the NUST Rector said in a statement. This initiative holds significant potential for societal impact, promising to transform the lives of numerous Pakistani families, he added.
Tanweer Ahmed’s Vision for the Future
In an exclusive interview with Pakistani media, Tanweer Ahmed shared his vision to expand the scholarship scheme not only to other universities but also to ensure its permanence at NUST. He disclosed plans for a formal ceremony at NUST Islamabad next month, attended by Pakistan’s top leadership, to officially launch the scholarship program.
Highlighting the significance of the scholarship system, the Houston-based businessman emphasized its merit-based nature, exclusively aimed at students unable to afford quality education. He expressed his determination to assist talented individuals in making a mark in advanced sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology (IT), and other cutting-edge technologies. Ahmed believes that these sectors hold the key to Pakistan’s future prosperity.
A Philanthropic Trailblazer
Tanweer Ahmed is a Pakistani-American businessman, investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist who works with major companies, not-for-profit organizations and hospitals.
His philanthropic endeavors extend beyond this donation. He previously established a hospital in Sialkot and has been credited for mobilizing over $50 million in aid for Pakistan during the devastating floods of 2022.
Originally hailing from Sialkot, Tanweer Ahmed’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful businessman and philanthropist in the U.S. has inspired his commitment to empowering Pakistani youth. He underscored the importance of successful Pakistanis contributing to their homeland, urging more philanthropic efforts.
Apart from his contributions to education, Ahmed’s diverse business portfolio includes ownership of the largest cricket complex in Houston, the Prairie View Cricket Complex, and franchises of popular food chains like Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC. His ventures also extend to the energy sector and medicine industry.
His organization has expanded significantly, evolving from a single store to a robust network of 153 establishments across Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, employing over 4500 individuals across these four states.
As Tanweer Ahmed continues to make strides in various sectors, his dedication to philanthropy and passion for cricket highlights a multifaceted individual committed to making a positive impact.