The University of Bradford's new chancellor, the former cricketer Imran Khan,
has finalized a deal to set up links between the university and a college in Pakistan.
The deal will make the new Namal College, in the Mianwali district of Pakistan,
an associate college of the university from its opening in September next year.
The move is expected to build links between Bradford, which has a relatively high proportion of Pakistani students, and Pakistan. It is Mr Khan's first act as chancellor after being appointed to the position earlier this month.
Mr Imran Khan is a member of parliament for the Mianwali district of Pakistan and the chairman of the Mianwali Development Trust, which has set up the partnership.Announcing this development at a press conference in Pakistan earlier this week, Mr Khan said: "Given the lack of adequate and proper technical training, the proposed college will contribute enormously to skill development in the entire country. Over the long term, we will draw students from across the whole of Pakistan."
Jeff Lucas, the deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Bradford with responsibility for strategic partnerships said: "We are delighted that Namal College has become an associate college of the university.
"It is very exciting to be involved at such an early stage of the development of the college, and we are now starting work on a five-year plan.
"The university will be involved in the design and the development of the curriculum, along with shaping the academic plan to meet the needs of the Mianwali district. We hope this development will enhance the opportunities open to young people after leaving school."The first phase of development will focus on establishing specific subject areas in automotive engineering, information technology and the construction industries, with possibilities of teacher training and health in a second phase.
A key focus will be the initial training and continuing development of staff at Namal College with the University of Bradford - who will support the programme. The university will provide appropriate advice on curriculum, quality assurance, student support matters and administration.
The University of Bradford currently has a number of partnership arrangements with educational institutions around the world, but this is the first such college partnership with Pakistan.

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