Imperial College London denies Punjab govt's claim about campus at Nawaz Sharif IT City

Imperial College London has dismissed claims by the Punjab government that it is setting up a campus in Lahore as part of the upcoming Nawaz Sharif IT City project.

The UK-based university issued a statement clarifying that reports suggesting it was opening an overseas campus were “incorrect.”

“There have been erroneous reports in the media and online that Imperial is opening a campus at Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore, Pakistan,” the statement read. “Imperial has no such plans, with all the university’s campuses based in the UK.”

The clarification came after senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced last week that the government had approved the establishment of an Imperial College London campus within the 853-acre IT City project near Bedian Road. She had said the foundation stone would be laid in November, alongside a 300-bed hospital.

Imperial College London to establish campus at Nawaz Sharif IT City with a 300-bed hospital. pic.twitter.com/hMGVUcK7UX

— PMLN (@pmln_org) October 18, 2025

The Nawaz Sharif IT City, named after the three-time former prime minister, is being developed under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The provincial government has described it as a flagship initiative aimed at transforming Lahore into a hub for technology, innovation, and education.

According to official statements, the chief minister has directed that related mega projects — including the Central Business District Project and the Ravi Urban Development Authority scheme — be expedited.

However, Imperial College’s categorical denial has cast doubt on part of the government’s earlier announcement, prompting renewed scrutiny of claims surrounding the high-profile development.