Imran Khan building multi-million dollar Oxford-style Namal Knowledge City

[VCheng]

Imran Khan building multi-million dollar Oxford-style Namal Knowledge City

MIANWALI: In pursuance of his dream of spreading education specially to the downtrodden segments of the society, Prime Minister Imran Khan is building multi-million dollar Oxford-style 'Namal Knowledge City' in his hometown of Mianwali.

Built in 1906, Oxford University is one of the top rated universities of the world. The university is made up of 38 constituent colleges, and a range of academic departments which are organised into four divisions.

Imran Khan founded Namal College 11 years ago and at that time it was affiliated with University of Bradford.

PM Imran was so passionate about the establishment of the knowledge city that when in 2017 a petition was filed seeking his disqualification, he told a journalist that if disqualified he would spend the rest of his life fulfilling his dream.

According to the project details, it includes academic blocks, knowledge center, sports complex, hospital, parks, technology, business centers, shopping malls, dairy farm, resorts, software houses, hotels, primary school and teachers' colony. The first phase of the knowledge city is estimated to cost $200 million.

Initially a technical college was established teaching mechanical, electrical and computer sciences. The foundation stone of a business college was laid two years ago by Imran Khan. Agri Business college is also in the works.

The 400 kanal land has been acquired for Namal Medical College and Namal Teaching Hospital.

If all go as planned, we would see a sprawling knowledge city in Mianwali by year 2027.

This is truly a great thing to do. This is what will endue to being everlasting benefits to the country. When where and how is the funding drive being carried out?

 

[ghazi52]

Imran Khan building multi-million dollar Oxford-style Namal Knowledge City

In pursuance of his dream of spreading education specially to the downtrodden segments of the society, Prime Minister Imran Khan is building multi-million dollar Oxford-style 'Namal Knowledge City' in his hometown of Mianwali

According to the project details, it includes academic blocks, knowledge center, sports complex, hospital, parks, technology, business centers, shopping malls, dairy farm, resorts, software houses, hotels, primary school and teachers' colony. The first phase of the knowledge city is estimated to cost $200 million.

The 400 kanal land has been acquired for Namal Medical College and Namal Teaching Hospital. If all go as planned, we would see a sprawling knowledge city in Mianwali by year 2027.

 

[valkyr_96]

Well, such 'Oxford-style' grand knowledge cities wouldn't mean anything unless you provide enough funds and budget to the university every year to carry out their research works and regular improvements to the institution.

University of Dhaka was also modeled on Oxford when it was established by the British in 1921, incorporating similar traditions and structure, it is still known as the Oxford of the East. But, today, it's nowhere near to Oxford in terms of academic accomplishments or teaching quality simply because of the difference between the funding of the two universities.

I would say, rather than such lavish project, he should establish a general university and use the rest of the money to raise a fund that will keep the budget flowing for the university in future.

For the university to have funds we need well functioning markets with strong corporate governance. Only then it will be feasible as the growth will augment the fund and service the universities cost. The universities abroad do seek donations especially from its distinguished alumni. There is plenty of money tied up in Pakistan at least. There is rampant corruption in EOBI ventures and the tri-service funds are directly managed by the retired servicemen. If these are converted into proper pension funds given due coverage of laws (financial market regulation, bankruptcy and restructuring). This capital can be easily used to exploit resources in Pakistan. Furthermore, it will take away the negativity that is being spread by some people that the military actively participates in setting up bakeries and gas stations. We need to foster a culture of transferring risks as we cannot do everything on our own. Only then we can be serious about accountability.

 

[maximuswarrior]

Good initiative. But let's see if they can keep up the educational standards, or this becomes another Ghulam Ishaq Khan case.

Judging by the cancer hospitals all will be fine.

Bring back Dr. Atta ur Rehman as chairman HEC. Our universities and their quality were sky rocketing during his era.

This is an excellent suggestion. A man of Dr. Atta’s caliber is needed for such a massive project.

 

[Surya 1]

I sincerely wish best of luck to shree Imaran Khan in his enbeavend. If this realises, it will bring lots of good things for Pakistan.