Prof Dr Sarwar Khawaja receives Sitara-e-Imtiaz for services to education

ISLAMABAD: British-Pakistani entrepreneur and educationist Prof Dr Sarwar Muhammad Khawaja has been awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, at an investiture ceremony held at the President House, where President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award.

The ceremony was attended by Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, members of the federal and provincial cabinets, diplomats, and representatives from Pakistan’s social and business sectors.

According to the citation, the award was given in recognition of Khawaja’s contributions in education, technological progress, entrepreneurship and social development, along with his role in promoting Pakistan’s international standing and socio-economic advancement.

Originally from Lahore, Khawaja has built a prominent presence in the higher education management sector in the United Kingdom, where he established what the citation described as one of the country’s largest education management operations.

The citation said he has supported education and skills development initiatives that have affected more than 40,000 people around the world.

Khawaja is the founder and chairman of the London-based SK Hub. He has also held international positions, including serving as a senator in the European Economic Senate and as chairman of the European Council on Global Relations.

Plans for education and investment

Speaking after receiving the award, Khawaja said the recognition reflected a broader responsibility toward public service and future generations. "The conferment of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz stands as a defining milestone in acknowledging my lifelong dedication to educational excellence, innovation, and national development," he said.

He also referred to plans linked to higher education in Pakistan. "I am thankful to the government of Pakistan for facilitating us in establishing Pakistan’s first AI university in Lahore. We are going to introduce a world-class curriculum which will empower the youth of Pakistan. It will be Pakistan’s first AI university to strengthen the education ecosystem in Punjab and Pakistan. We are in touch with several key partners in the UK and EU to strengthen modern education in Pakistan."

Khawaja further said his group was preparing investment in other sectors as well. "As part of major investment plans through foreign direct investment, we are planning to invest in hospitality and information technology to support the Pakistani IT ecosystem. This will not only bring foreign direct investment to Pakistan but also create job opportunities for skilled youth."

Academic and professional background

Born in 1968, Khawaja received his early education in Lahore. He is an alumnus of Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Buckinghamshire New University and City University of London.

According to the statement, he is a leading British-Pakistani entrepreneur and among the largest private Pakistani-led education facility management operators in the United Kingdom.

He is also set to launch the JCA-London Fashion Academy, also referred to as the Jimmy Choo Fashion Academy, in Pakistan.