The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) received a major philanthropic boost as Bestway Group and United Bank Limited (UBL) jointly committed Rs 550 million to support the university’s mission of expanding access to quality education and strengthening leadership development across Pakistan. The announcement was made during a special ceremony hosted at LUMS, attended by senior leadership from the university and representatives from both organizations.
During the event, The Lord Choudrey CBE SI Pk, Chairman of Bestway Group and a member of the United Kingdom’s House of Lords, presented a cheque of Rs 275 million on behalf of Bestway Group. Alongside him, Muhammad Jawaid Iqbal, President and CEO of UBL, also presented a cheque of Rs 275 million on behalf of the bank. This combined contribution marks one of the significant philanthropic commitments toward higher education in the country.
Bestway Group Companies and associated trusts have maintained a long-standing relationship with LUMS. Their partnership dates back to 1991 when Bestway Foundation UK established an endowment at the Suleman Dawood School of Business. UBL and Bestway Foundation have also been consistent supporters of the LUMS National Outreach Programme (NOP), a flagship initiative designed to identify and support high-potential students from underserved areas across Pakistan.
This most recent contribution reaffirms the belief of both Bestway Group and UBL in the power of education as a driver of national development. According to LUMS, the funds will play a pivotal role in ensuring that gifted students from varying socioeconomic backgrounds can benefit from world-class academic opportunities. In addition to supporting access, the donation will aid LUMS in grooming a new generation of leaders who champion innovation, ethical decision-making, and societal advancement.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of influential figures including Syed Babar Ali, Founding Pro Chancellor of LUMS; Dr. Parvez Hassan, Chair of the LUMS Board of Trustees; Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale and Trustee of Bestway Foundation UK; and Irfan Sheikh, Managing Director of Bestway Cement Ltd and Treasurer of Bestway Foundation Pakistan. Their attendance underscored the collaborative spirit behind the long-term partnership.
Speaking at the event, The Lord Choudrey highlighted the unique academic environment offered by LUMS, noting that its students gain exceptional access to top-tier faculty, superior learning resources, and a culture that fosters excellence. Muhammad Jawaid Iqbal, President and CEO of UBL, reflected on the bank’s continued support for educational advancement and emphasized UBL’s commitment to developing future talent through structured and meaningful investment in learning.
Syed Babar Ali expressed sincere gratitude, acknowledging that sustained philanthropy enables institutions like LUMS to thrive and continue delivering societal value. Dr. Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor of LUMS, also extended his appreciation, stating that the university remains dedicated to transforming this support into impactful outcomes through leadership development and academic innovation.
The enduring partnership between LUMS and Bestway Foundation stands as a testament to the transformative potential of educational investment. With UBL joining hands in this mission, the contribution sets a strong example of how private sector collaboration can shape the future by empowering upcoming generations of scholars and leaders.
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