Tessori confers doctorate degree on philanthropist for $9m IT donation

LONDON/KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori has underscored the pivotal role of quality modern education as an essential catalyst for empowering Pakistan’s youth.

The governor said this while addressing the 12th Convocation of the Indus University, where hundreds of students were given degrees. He called for a national consensus to promote modern and quality education, which could help Pakistani youth secure jobs locally and in the international market.

In special, he conferred a doctorate degree and a gold medal on Houston-based Pakistani-American businessman Tanweer Ahmed, who recently donated $9 million for NUST University’s new IT Tower.

Tessori said the university on his personal recommendation had agreed to honour Tanweer Ahmed with the honorary degree for his contribution for Pakistan’s IT sector and for the unprivileged children as well as for his role for Pakistan during the last national floods.

He appealed to more affluent overseas Pakistanis to come forward and help Pakistan’s youth through IT education. He said: “It’s my mission to give respect to those Pakistanis in Pakistan and abroad who help Pakistan. I will also recommend Mr Tanweer Ahmed for the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his services.”

Tanweer Ahmed said: “This degree is a huge honour for me. I believe in the empowerment of youth through IT investment. Unfortunately, Pakistan is left behind in this crucial area. Finally, there is a realisation and Pakistan is making the right efforts. I decided to make the donation, impressed by the army chief’s efforts to promote IT through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). This donation is only for the IT sector.”

Tanweer Ahmed has donated $9 million to NUST to help students from poor backgrounds to gain access to quality education through scholarships. He also announced that he will be working with more education institutions to arrange donations for IT education. NUST has confirmed that Tanweer Ahmed has entered into a partnership with the university through an Endowment Fund for unprivileged students, which will benefit nearly 200 students who would be able to get scholarships every year.

The business entrepreneur said Pakistan has essential infrastructure available along with significant public sector investment in resource development. “Pakistan has untapped digital potential of USD 59.6 billion (PKR 9.7 trillion) and FinTech potential of USD 35 billion by 2025. IT base potential is evidenced by a 47% growth in freelancing which stands at 4th in the world. Pakistan’s youth is 64% of the population under 30 years which is our biggest resource,” he added.