British-Pakistani entrepreneur and educationist Prof. Dr. Sarwar Muhammad Khawaja has been awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours, in recognition of his services to education, innovation, and social development.
The award was conferred by Asif Ali Zardari during a prestigious investiture ceremony held at the President House in Islamabad.
The ceremony was attended by senior political leaders, including Yousaf Raza Gillani and Ayaz Sadiq, along with members of the federal and provincial cabinets, diplomats, and representatives from Pakistan’s business and social sectors.
According to the official citation, the honour recognises Prof. Dr. Khawaja’s contributions to education, technological advancement, entrepreneurship, and social uplift. The citation also highlighted his efforts in promoting Pakistan’s international image and socio-economic development.
Pakistan’s first AI University in Lahore
One of Prof. Dr. Khawaja’s major upcoming initiatives is the launch of the University of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Sciences (UAIES) in Lahore, which is being introduced as Pakistan’s first Artificial Intelligence university.
The citation stated that he played a key role in facilitating the university charter in Punjab, marking a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s education and technology ecosystem.
Speaking after receiving the award, Prof. Dr. Khawaja thanked the Pakistani government for supporting the establishment of the AI-focused institution.
“We are going to introduce a world-class curriculum in our AI university which will empower the youth of Pakistan,” he said, adding that UAIES would help strengthen the country’s education sector and prepare students for emerging technologies.
Global education leader
Born in Lahore in 1968, Prof. Dr. Khawaja completed his early education in Pakistan before pursuing higher studies abroad. He is an alumnus of prestigious institutions including Harvard University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Buckinghamshire New University, and City, University of London.
He currently serves as the Founder and Chairman of SK Hub and is regarded as one of the leading Pakistani-origin figures in the UK’s education management sector.
Through his education management and skills development initiatives, more than 40,000 people worldwide have reportedly benefited from educational opportunities and training programmes.
Beyond education, Prof. Dr. Khawaja has also been involved in philanthropy and community welfare initiatives. The citation noted his support for underprivileged communities and his funding of healthcare projects, including dialysis centres in Lahore and Kasur.
He has also worked to strengthen Pakistan’s global cultural and educational links through international collaborations. Among these initiatives was facilitating the visit of renowned fashion designer Jimmy Choo to Pakistan and supporting plans to establish the JCA-London Fashion Academy in the country.
In addition, his programmes have helped provide free education opportunities for thousands of students across Punjab and supported women entrepreneurs through skills development and financial inclusion initiatives.
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