Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the establishment of Daanish University, a new educational institution that will be funded by £190 million recovered from a Pakistani property tycoon by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). This amount was originally transferred to the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s account in 2019 and remained unused for years.
Govt to Use Recovered Funds for Public Welfare
During a meeting, PM Shehbaz stated that the current Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, declared the funds as belonging to the people of Pakistan. This decision now allows the government to use the money for public projects. Taking this opportunity, the government has decided to invest in higher education by creating a world-class university.
A World-Class Educational Institution
Daanish University will be an extension of the Daanish Schools Project, which was initiated to provide quality education to underprivileged students. PM Shehbaz assured that the university would be a leading institution focusing on applied sciences, inviting top international professors, researchers, and scholars to educate the youth. He emphasized that this university will be a game-changer in shaping Pakistan’s future by providing quality education at an advanced level.
The Controversial £190 Million Case
The £190 million was originally recovered in 2019 under an out-of-court settlement with a well-known Pakistani real estate tycoon in the UK. However, it was allegedly diverted to an account with no direct link to Pakistan’s national treasury. PM Shehbaz Sharif criticized the previous handling of the money, calling it a deliberate act of dishonesty to keep it out of public use.
This case also led to legal action against former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Earlier this year, he was sentenced to 14 years in jail in connection to the Al-Qadir Trust case, now commonly known as the 190 million pounds case. His wife, Bushra Bibi, also received a seven-year jail sentence. A court in Adiala Jail ruled that both were involved in the misuse of these recovered funds. Additionally, fines of Rs1 million and Rs500,000 were imposed on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, respectively.
A Step Towards Educational Excellence
PM Shehbaz Sharif assured that Daanish University would set a new standard in higher education. The government aims to make it a leading center for research and innovation, ensuring that Pakistani students receive high-quality education without having to go abroad. He believes this initiative will significantly contribute to the country’s progress by empowering the youth with the latest knowledge and skills.
With this move, the government hopes to turn a controversial financial case into a positive opportunity for the nation. The establishment of Daanish University reflects the commitment to investing in education, which is crucial for Pakistan’s future development.
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