Lahore: The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) entered into a significant partnership on Monday, formalized by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at RUDA’s headquarters, as reported on August 6.
The agreement, signed by RUDA’s Chief Operating Officer Mansoor Ahmed Janjua, Chairman Syed Azfar Ali Nasir, and PHEC Chairman Professor Dr. Shahid Munir, symbolizes a major advancement in the region’s educational landscape. This strategic collaboration is designed to foster the development of leading educational institutions in Ravi City. Specifically, the initiative focuses on introducing satellite campuses of renowned international universities to the area, with robust support from PHEC.
RUDA is currently in active negotiations with five additional international universities to further diversify and expand educational offerings in Ravi City. RUDA’s Chairman, Syed Azfar Ali Nasir, emphasized that this project holds the potential to significantly elevate Punjab’s educational standards. By attracting international universities, the initiative aims to contribute to both the economic and intellectual enrichment of the region.
COO Mansoor Ahmed Janjua highlighted that this initiative represents a profound investment in human capital. He articulated the broader vision of transforming Ravi City into a ‘knowledge city,’ where education is prioritized not just as a service but as a fundamental human right. This approach underscores the commitment to nurturing intellectual capital alongside financial investment.
PHEC Chairman Professor Dr. Shahid Munir expressed strong support for RUDA’s vision, applauding their dedication to enhancing educational opportunities within Punjab. He noted that the MoU is a crucial step towards realizing the dream of establishing both national and international educational institutions in Ravi City.
The signing ceremony was attended by prominent officials from both RUDA and PHEC. Notable attendees included RUDA’s Executive Director of Commercial Affairs, Kashif Qureshi; Director of Business Development and Investor Relations, Fatima Ali Khan; and PHEC’s Director of Accreditation, Dr. Muhammad Mumtaz Ali Khan.
