Students in Gilgit-Baltistan had to endure great hardship prior to the university’s founding because they could not pursue their undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degrees elsewhere. Thanks to Karakoram International University, today’s students can obtain higher education right in their own community.
Graana.com has discussed everything you need to know about Karakoram International University.
History
General Pervez Musharraf, the then-president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, issued a charter for the university’s establishment in Gilgit in 2002. The university’s Skardu campus was officially opened by Syed Mehdi Shah, the then-chief minister of Gilgit Baltistan, in July 2011.
This campus was later upgraded to become the independent University of Baltistan in 2017. The foundation of KIU Hunza and Women Campus was announced in 2014 during the visit of His Excellency Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, the then President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Chancellor of KIU. As a result, KIU Hunza Campus began offering classes in 2016.
Location and Overview
Karakoram International University is located near the meeting point of the Gilgit and Hunza rivers, surrounded by a stunning range of mountains. The university currently consists of three faculties: the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Natural Sciences & Engineering, and the Faculty of Life Sciences.
These faculties offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree programs. They also create bright alumni who, upon graduation, serve both in Gilgit-Baltistan and throughout the nation.
KIU is the only prestigious public institution in the area and offers top-notch instruction in a supportive, demanding, creative, and competitive learning environment. Because the university provides equal opportunity for both extracurricular and curricular activities, students’ hidden talents and skills are discovered and developed.
Campus Facilities
- Library
- Computing Facilities
- Medical Facilities
- Sports Facilities
- Career Development Centre
- Transport Facility
- Student Hostel
- Access To Microsoft Software
- Internet Resource Center
Library
The KIU Library welcomes users with open access. Since this university library is primarily focused on research, books, journals, and other reading materials are maintained accessible by keeping them open on the shelves. This removes all barriers to readers’ direct access to scholarly sources.
Reference and Information Services
The goal of the Central Library’s reference and information services is to help patrons make the most use of the priceless knowledge about resources that may be found in the Reference Section, which is located in front of the circulation desk. Encyclopaedias, dictionaries, biographical dictionaries, yearbooks, research reports, guides, maps, and other valuable reference materials are kept in this section. In order to meet the information needs of researchers, students, and faculty members, it offers reference services. The reference material is not lendable and may only be used on library property.
Assistance In The Use Of Library
In order to support students in becoming efficient and self-sufficient learners, library staff members assist with finding and searching materials in areas including acquisition, technical (classification & cataloguing), reference, and library automation/computer. These departments essentially operate behind the scenes.
All membership types have access to the general book collection, which includes the library’s oriental collection, for loan. It is also possible to study, browse, and consult other library collections, such as the reserve, special, and reference sections.
However, since these are collections of non-lendable library materials, they should only be consulted within the library’s walls. Readers are arranged to attend special orientation classes that cover topics such as utilising the library catalogue and conducting OPAC searches.
Newspaper
The library subscribes to six local leading daily and four national dailies to improve its readers’ current affairs literacy. Monthly archives are also kept for four prominent newspapers: The News, The Dawn, Jang, and Daily K-2, a local newspaper.
Computing Facilities
Several computer laboratories featuring the newest Core 15 computers, multimedia systems, and internet access have been constructed by KIU. The Computer Science and Management Department building has three computer labs; one lab is in the 1FD section, while the other two are in the Mining Engineering Department. These computer labs’ primary goals are to conduct research on a wide range of topics and provide students with equipment linked to modern IT.
Video Conferencing Facility
A cutting-edge video conference room has been set up and is now operational, together with the essential video conferencing equipment. This service provides the opportunity to attend seminars and conferences both nationally and internationally, as well as to organise video meetings with HEC and other universities as needed.
AVD Library
Students now have access to the newest computers in a state-of-the-art computer lab located in the main library. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has made digital books and e-journals available online. Moreover, instructors and students can also access CDs and DVDs of digital books.
Smart Campus WiFi Facility
Wireless Internet access is available to instructors, administrative personnel, and students on the main campus of KIU. Everyone on campus can now use the free wireless networking available to link their laptops and smartphones to the university network for free internet access.
Medical Facilities
KIU’s Health Section offers free medical services on the main campus. The primary goals are to offer regular checks, emergency care, assistance during sporting events, support for internal and external exams, and general consulting. This division assists in treating critically ill individuals in nearby hospitals.
There is currently one medical officer, one senior dispenser, and one supporting staff member making up the medical staff. The facility has a wheelchair, nebulizer, dressing kit, first aid box, weight machine, stretcher, oxygen cylinder, emergency trolley, and any other equipment needed for emergency treatments.
Sports Facilities
Karakoram International University is pursuing extracurricular and co-curricular activities with great enthusiasm and is actively searching for a square development for its students. Extracurricular activities play a crucial role in the students’ education.
Therefore, every year, the University’s Sports Section, overseen by Mr. Aurangzeb, Deputy Director of Sports, hosts Sports Week to instil a passion for sports in the students. Throughout the entire week, the pupils’ athletic charisma contributed to the viewers’ amazement.
KIU organise the following tournaments every year:
- Football (Boys)
- Cricket (Boys & Girls)
- Basketball (Boys)
- Skiing (Boys & Girls)
- Tug of War (Boys & Girls)
- Volleyball (Boys & Girls)
- Table Tennis (Boys & Girls)
- Hiking and Trekking (Boys & Girls)
- Lawn Tennis (Girls)
- Athletics (Boys & Girls)
- Taekwondo (Boys & Girls)
Following facilities are provided by KIU to facilitate sports events:
- Football proper ground
- Cricket proper ground
- Gymnasium
Career Development Centre
In terms of career counselling, career advisory services, job placements, higher education (admissions & scholarships), internships, and addressing daily student grievances, the centre seeks to assist KIU students and graduates. In addition, CDC will endeavour to help graduating students polish their professional abilities and will serve as a placement office for KIU alumni and students, providing information about job openings.
Transport Facility
Within Gilgit City’s municipal limits, transportation options are offered on designated routes for a set fee. There are not many transportation options available at the university, thus students might have to ride the bus first come, first served. Currently, KIU provides transportation for teachers, staff, and students to and from the university campus using four buses, two Coasters, and two Hi-aces.
Student Hostel
Approximately 250 female students live in two dorms at KIU. Hostels are situated on campus and offer first-rate boarding and accommodation at affordable prices. The hostel moms are supervised by senior female lecturers.
Access To Microsoft Softwares
In partnership with Microsoft, HEC has made authentic Microsoft software completely accessible. As a result, all employees, including teachers and staff, have free access to the e-academy Licensing Management System (eLMS) Portal, where they can download the whole Microsoft product suite for personal and home use.
Internet Resource Centre
With over 60 computers available for general student usage and Internet access, KIU offers a large computer lab.
Faculties and Departments
Karakoram International University has 4 faculties. Each faculty has their own respective departments. Following is the list of faculties in this university:
- Life Sciences
- Natural Sciences and Technology
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
Life Sciences
Faculty of Life Sciences has 6 departments:
- Plant Sciences
- Agriculture and Food Technology
- Animal Sciences
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Forestry, Range and Wildlife Management
Natural Sciences and Technology
The Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology has the following departments:
- Civil Engineering and Technology
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Mining Engineering
- Physics
- Computer Sciences
- Electrical Engineering Technology
Arts and Humanities
Faculty of Arts and Humanities has following departments:
- Psychology and Human Development
- Educational Development
- Media and Communication
- Linguistics and Literature
- Urdu and Regional Languages
Social Sciences
The faculty of Social Sciences has the following departments:
- Management Sciences
- Economics
- Political and International Studies
- Sociology and Anthropology
Campuses
International campuses of the university include:
- KIU main campus, Gilgit
- KIU sub campus, Hunza
- KIU sub campus, Ghizer
- KIU sub campus, Diamer, Chilas
Karakoram International University Fee Structure
Karakoram International University Address
The exact address of the university is Main KIU Road, Gilgit, 15100.
Why Enrol in Karakoram International University (KIU)
These days, selecting a university seat among a dizzying array of options is a tough order. Numerous elements may come into play, such as academic achievement of the students, the university’s prestige, glitz, history, location, and, of course, the calibre of its teaching and learning. There exist multiple rationales for selecting KIU as one’s alma mater.
First of all, located in Pakistan’s hilly regions, it is a singular university. Training and education has its main focus on the development of resources and the mountain environment, with a field-based approach and contextual relevance. Second, KIU employs a progressive, innovative, and application-focused approach to education.
Furtermore, the mode of instruction is very participatory and engaging, utilising tutorial classes, cooperative group projects, and multimedia exclusively.
Additionally, through multi-technology workshops, KIU provides training facilities in the field of vocation and technology, which is currently in demand and will grow further. In addition to their official course of study, students will have the option to participate in this kind of training in the evening. Other people—male and female—can enrol in day courses at the university to develop into employable human resources with skills.
Moreover, Gilgit Baltistan has several well-known Civil Society Organizations that have been providing decades of grassroots service. It is possible to seize and create opportunities to take part in pertinent field-based programs through cooperative efforts. The goal of these initiatives is to encourage graduates who are more adaptable, with more possibilities for their future careers and employment chances.
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