ISLAMABAD: British-Pakistani entrepreneur and educationist Prof Dr Sarwar Muhammad Khawaja was conferred the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours, by President Asif Ali Zardari during an investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.The ceremony was attended by Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, federal and provincial cabinet members, diplomats and representatives from Pakistan’s business and social sectors.Prof Dr Khawaja was recognised for his contributions to education, technological innovation, entrepreneurship and social welfare, as well as his role in promoting Pakistan’s global profile through international collaborations.The award also acknowledged his efforts in establishing the University of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Sciences (UAIES) in Lahore, which is being introduced as Pakistan’s first dedicated artificial intelligence university.According to the citation read during the ceremony, Prof Dr Khawaja has played a significant role in strengthening Pakistan’s education sector and facilitating the charter for the AI-focused university in Punjab.Born in Lahore in 1968, Prof Dr Khawaja completed his early education in Pakistan before pursuing higher studies at institutions including Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Buckinghamshire New University and City University of London.He is the founder and chairman of London-based SK Hub and has served in several international roles, including Senator at the European Economic Senate and chairman of the European Council on Global Relations.Officials said his education management initiatives in the United Kingdom and abroad have supported skills development and learning opportunities for more than 40,000 people worldwide.The citation further highlighted his philanthropic work, including support for underprivileged communities, funding dialysis centres in Lahore and Kasur, and promoting women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship and skills development programmes.Prof Dr Khawaja has also been involved in international cultural and educational collaborations, including facilitating the planned launch of the JCA-London Fashion Academy in Pakistan in partnership with renowned fashion designer Jimmy Choo.Speaking after receiving the award, Prof Dr Khawaja thanked the government for recognising his services and supporting the establishment of the AI university in Lahore.“The conferment of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz is a great honour and reflects a collective commitment towards education, innovation and national development,” he said.He added that the University of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Sciences would introduce world-class academic programmes aimed at equipping Pakistani youth with advanced technological skills and strengthening the country’s higher education landscape
