The CEO of Knowledge Park Lahore Shahid Zaman has affirmed that four renowned international universities are going to establish their campuses at the Knowledge Park.
While talking to the Express Tribune, Shahid Zaman declared that the talks with the four universities have entered in the second stage. However, there is no final word on the business model of establishing their campuses.
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Timeframe of Universities’ Establishment
Shahid Zaman has not, so far, revealed the name of the universities as of now. However, he ensured to announce the names of the universities openly once a formal contract has been put in form. In addition, he said that the universities will begin with four to five disciplines initially before moving to further disciplines later.
According to the CEO of Knowledge Park Lahore, the government wants to see couple of campuses functional by early 2018. Moreover, it also wants to witness the rest of the two universities operational during the very same year. He further added that Knowledge Park is a nonprofit project and it would not operate totally under complete profit model.
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Projection of Knowledge Park Lahore
Speaking about Knowledge Park Lahore, Shahid Zaman stated that its financial plan was shaped by a Singapore-based company, Frost and Sullivan. However, a Pakistani company, OCL, led by Harvard Professor Spiro Pollalis designed its master plan.
The project is estimated to pay a lot of dividends once it is formed. As per the forecast the Knowledge Park will generate roughly Rs 173 billion in labor revenue and Rs 35 billion in tax income. Moreover, it will also create around 40,000 employment opportunities. In addition, it may well produce 11,200 PhDs in about 25 years’ time once the project is established.
Mr. Zaman explained that the financial model will be formed in such a manner that it is self sustainable. The motto of this very objective will not be making money. Shahid Zaman further avowed that if things go as they are planned, then two out of the four campuses will be established in rented buildings of Lahore by the start of 2018. Additionally, the construction of Knowledge Park will also begin at the same time.
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Moving Ahead
Talking about other universities, the CEO stated that they are looking forward to engage a few other top international institutes as well, to also open their campuses at the Knowledge Park Lahore.
Furthermore, he said that during the next stage of the project, they will ask the companies to form a science museum. Shahid Zaman is confident that the project will assist startups in the long run. Moreover, it will also produce educated youth and talented individuals but it will also assist startups in the long run.
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