LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: In a surprising turn of events, Imperial College London has categorically refuted recent claims made by the Punjab government regarding the establishment of its overseas campus in Lahore’s Nawaz Sharif IT City. The prestigious British university issued a firm statement clarifying that it has no plans to open any campus outside the UK.
The clarification came after Punjab authorities announced that the foundation stone for Imperial’s Lahore campus would be laid in November, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reportedly scheduled to oversee the ceremony. The claim was widely circulated on local and international media, creating excitement within Pakistan’s education sector.
However, in its official response, Imperial College London stated: “Reports that Imperial plans to open an overseas campus are incorrect. All of the university’s campuses are and will remain in the UK.” The university further advised media outlets and stakeholders to rely only on its official International Relations Office for authentic information regarding collaborations or global ventures.
Punjab officials had previously described the supposed project as a “historic partnership” that would bring global academic excellence to Pakistan, linking it to broader IT city development plans, including a 300-bed hospital and technology hub. But Imperial’s public rejection of the claims has now cast doubt on the authenticity and verification process behind the provincial announcement.
Education experts have called the episode a “wake-up call” for government departments to ensure due diligence and formal agreements before publicising such major international partnerships. Many have expressed disappointment, as the project had generated hope for enhanced academic collaboration and research opportunities.
Despite the confusion, the Punjab government has yet to release an official clarification following Imperial’s denial. The incident underscores the growing importance of transparency and verification in promoting Pakistan’s education and technology initiatives on a global stage.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.