By Faizn Khan
LAHORE: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday announced the establishment of an Imperial College London campus at the Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore, marking a major milestone in Punjab’s ambition to position itself as a regional education and technology hub.
The announcement came during a special meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to review progress on the Nawaz Sharif IT City, Central Business District (CBD), and Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) projects. Officials briefed the meeting that the foundation stone of the Imperial College London campus would be laid in November this year. The campus will also house a state-of-the-art 300-bed teaching hospital.
Maryam Nawaz directed that the construction of RUDA’s primary embankment along the River Ravi be completed before the monsoon season to prevent possible flooding. She further instructed departments to expedite all upcoming development schemes and submit quarterly progress reports.
During the briefing, it was revealed that the first phase of the RUDA project is targeted for completion within two years. The chief minister also sought a practical business plan for RUDA, which, once completed, is expected to protect Lahore from floods and serve as Pakistan’s first fully green city.
Officials informed the meeting that China and Türkiye-based companies, including DOF Robotic and U-Band Pleasure, have expressed investment interest in the planned Entertainment City, which will feature an 80-seater flying theatre. International firms have also shown interest in Silicon City, University Block, Astra Block, and Film City components of the broader development plan.
Meanwhile, construction of the IT Tower at the Nawaz Sharif IT City has reached 78 per cent completion, symbolizing Lahore’s emerging role in technology-driven urban innovation.
