Excitement spread among Pakistani students after a Punjab government announcement claimed that Imperial College London would open a local campus. The proposed site was at Nawaz Sharif IT City, alongside a new hospital and an IT Tower nearing completion.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had shared that the foundation stone of the college and hospital would be laid in November. The news quickly went viral on social media and news platforms, creating hopes for a new international education hub in Pakistan.
However, Imperial College London officially denied the claims. In a statement, the university said, “Reports that Imperial College London plans to open a campus overseas are incorrect. Imperial currently has no plans to establish a campus outside the United Kingdom.”
The clarification raised questions about how such a significant announcement was made without prior confirmation from the UK institution. Imperial College further urged the public to verify any news about its global projects through the official International Relations Office webpages. The university emphasized that all its campuses remain based in the United Kingdom.
The false announcement highlights the risks of spreading unverified news, especially regarding major international institutions. Students and the public were initially excited about the prospect of studying at Imperial College in Pakistan. However, the university’s statement has firmly ended speculation about the campus.
Despite the disappointment, education experts suggest that Pakistan’s higher education sector can still benefit from partnerships with international universities. While Imperial College has no plans for a local campus, collaborations in research, online courses, and student exchange programs remain possible.
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The incident serves as a reminder to check official sources for accurate information. Imperial College London continues to operate its UK campuses while maintaining its global reputation through research, innovation, and collaborations abroad.
