Pakistan: British-Pakistani entrepreneur and educationist Prof Dr Sarwar Muhammad Khawaja has been conferred the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours, by President Asif Ali Zardari at an investiture ceremony held at the President House in Islamabad.
The ceremony was attended by senior state officials including Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, members of federal and provincial cabinets, diplomats, and representatives from Pakistan’s business and social sectors.
According to the official citation, the award recognises Khawaja’s contributions to education, technological advancement, entrepreneurship, and social development, as well as his efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s international profile and support socio-economic progress.
Originally from Lahore, Khawaja has established a major presence in the United Kingdom’s higher education management sector, where he has built one of the largest education management operations in the country. He has also facilitated education and skills development programmes that, according to the citation, have impacted more than 40,000 people globally.
He is the founder and chairman of London-based SK Hub and has held international leadership roles, including serving as a senator in the European Economic Senate and chairman of the European Council on Global Relations.
During the ceremony, Khawaja expressed gratitude for the honour, stating that it represented a lifelong commitment to public service, innovation, and education reform. He described the award as a milestone in recognising efforts toward educational excellence and national development.
He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Government of Pakistan in establishing what he described as Pakistan’s first AI university in Lahore, aimed at introducing a modern curriculum to support youth education and strengthen the country’s higher education ecosystem. He said partnerships are being developed with institutions in the UK and Europe to enhance academic standards in Pakistan.
Khawaja further stated that planned investments under foreign direct investment initiatives would focus on hospitality and information technology sectors, aiming to support Pakistan’s IT ecosystem, generate employment, and attract international investment.
Born in 1968, Khawaja completed his early education in Lahore and is reportedly an alumnus of Harvard University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Buckinghamshire New University, and City University of London. He is also recognised as a leading British-Pakistani entrepreneur in education facility management.
He is additionally preparing to launch the JCA-London Fashion Academy (Jimmy Choo Fashion Academy) in Pakistan, as part of his expanding education and creative industry initiatives in the country.