About Karakoram International University

The University was established in 2002 by a charter from the federal government on the orders of General Pervez Musharraf, President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The University is situated against a dramatic backdrop of steep mountains at the confluence of the Gilgit and Hunza rivers.

The main and currently the only campus of the university is located in Gilgit, the central town of Gilgit Baltistan. Gilgit has an airport, providing daily flights to Islamabad, punctuated by adverse weather conditions. The famous Karakoram Highway (KKH) connects Pakistan with China, passing through Gilgit. An offshoot of the KKH connects Gilgit with Skardu (Baltistan).

Gilgit gets very hot in June and July, whereas it is severely cold in December and January. However, travel by road and by air continues throughout the year.

The campus, situated on the University Road, is easily accessible from the airport and the bus station. Taxis are found all around the town and are a convenient method of transport.

According to its charter, KIU is to be a multi-campus university and is seeking to establish additional campuses where feasible. This will depend on availability of special support, local resources and indigenous expertise. Currently, the main campus has nearly 2000 students, nearly 150 faculty members and over a hundred administrative staff in fifteen academic departments. Moreover, there are Professional Development Center, Early Childhood Development Center, and SEED Program.