Pakistani-American Entrepreneur Partners with USAID for $9m Boost to NUST

News Desk

Islamabad: In a commendable act aimed at uplifting his country of origin and its younger generation, an American-Pakistani entrepreneur from Houston generously donated $9 million to Islamabad’s National University of Science & Technology (NUST).

This contribution is designated to assist students from underprivileged backgrounds in accessing quality education through scholarships.

Tanweer Ahmed stated “This initiative involves a three-way collaboration between my company Pakfoods, NUST, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The agreement was signed on September 9, 2023, in Islamabad, coinciding with the USAID-supported Invest in Pakistan Conference, which was organized in collaboration with the American Pakistani diaspora.”

The donation, facilitated by Pakfoods, one of the many businesses owned by Tanweer Ahmed in the US, will be overseen by USAID as a project watchdog.

“The philanthropist commended USAID for its significant contributions to Pakistan’s development, particularly in areas such as health, education, employment, and fostering cultural and trade ties between the US and Pakistan. He praised USAID’s partnership with the NUST Technology Tower initiative, foreseeing its immense potential.

Ahmed’s pledge of $9 million to NUST in 2023 aimed to support underprivileged students in accessing quality education through scholarships. NUST has officially confirmed the partnership between Tanweer Ahmed and USAID, establishing an Endowment Fund to benefit hundreds of students annually.

In recognition of his contributions, President Asif Ali Zardari honored Tanweer Ahmed with Pakistan’s second highest civilian award, the ‘Hilal-e-Imtiaz,’ and the title of ‘Pride of Pakistan,’ acknowledging his service to Pakistan’s development and his efforts in strengthening Pakistan’s relations with the United States of America.”

The American-Pakistani businessman was awarded for his “services for Pakistan and its people, enhancing defense cooperation, strengthening of bilateral ties and contributions towards peace efforts in the region”.

The award citation said, “Tanweer Ahmed, who is based in the US, has played an important role in helping Pakistan’s educational, medical and social causes through his philanthropy. He has always played a leading role in promoting relations between the US and Pakistan. Tanweer Ahmed has donated USD $9 million for NUST, paid 75 million Pakistani Rupees for the flood victims and established a free dialysis centre in Sialkot. Honouring his humanitarian services, the Pakistan President has conferred Hilal-e-Imtiaz on Tanweer Ahmed.”

The philanthropist Tanweer Ahmed was also honored in the “Pride of Pakistan” category. The citation highlighted his generous financial support towards mosques, schools, and flood victims, emphasizing his dedication to providing quality education and healthcare accessibility.

His contributions include establishing a free dialysis center in Sialkot, converting a girl’s high school into a college in his hometown of Deska, and aiding in the eradication of Hepatitis C. Ahmed’s altruistic endeavors earned him praise as a patriotic figure, with the nation expressing its gratitude.

Last year, Indus University, upon the recommendation of Sindh’s governor, bestowed upon Ahmed an honorary doctorate degree for his notable contributions to the IT and health sectors in Pakistan.

Tanweer Ahmed, an American-Pakistani entrepreneur and philanthropist, believes that quality education is pivotal in transforming Pakistan, drawing parallels to influential figures like Sam Altman, Larry Page, and Elon Musk.

Ahmed, who amassed his wealth in the US food industry, collaborates with major corporations, non-profit organizations, and hospitals. He owns the largest cricket complex in Houston, the Prairie View Cricket Complex, and the Houston Hurricanes cricket franchise. Additionally, he is the founder of a renowned food chain and holds franchises of popular brands like Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC. With business interests spanning across California’s transport and energy sectors, as well as the medicine industry, Ahmed’s influence extends far beyond philanthropy.

He notably contributed over $50 million in aid to Pakistan during the devastating floods of 2022.

Originally hailing from Sialkot, Tanweer Ahmed embarked on his journey in the United States with modest beginnings. Upon migrating as a student, he initially worked in a restaurant, steadily climbing the ranks to eventually become a manager. With determination and entrepreneurial spirit, he ventured into his own restaurant business, laying the foundation for a series of successful ventures.

Based in Houston, Tanweer Ahmed announced a significant philanthropic gesture in 2023, pledging $9 million to Islamabad’s National University of Science & Technology (NUST) to facilitate underprivileged students in accessing quality education through scholarships.

Partnering with the United States International Aid Agency (USAID), the prosperous American-Pakistani entrepreneur collaborated to allocate the generous sum towards NUST.

This collaboration between USAID and Tanweer Ahmed underscores their shared commitment to fostering educational opportunities and empowering students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

This may appear to be a modest donation for a nation grappling with severe resource constraints, it has the potential to serve as a significant milestone. Not only does it signify progress in the scientific and technological advancement of a nation struggling despite its vast population of over 240 million, but it also sets a precedent for affluent Pakistanis here and abroad to step forward and contribute to the country’s development.