University of Baltistan Skardu is contributing to the regional development with quality higher education – Prof. Masood Akthar, VC
The University of Baltistan Skardu is emerging as a key center of higher education, modern research and regional development in Gilgit-Baltistan. It is working with the main objective of providing quality education, promoting innovation and playing a full role in the sustainable socio-economic development of the region. These views were expressed by the Vice Chancellor University of Baltistan, Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar, during a special discussion.
Early Journey of University of Baltistan Skardu
The Vice Chancellor said that the establishment of the university was implemented on August 25, 2017 under the “University of Baltistan Order 2016”. Earlier, this institution was serving as a sub-campus of Karakoram International University since 2011, where initially only four departments were established. After the formal establishment of the university, the institution has developed rapidly in academic and administrative levels and today it has become a reputable center of higher education not only for students of Baltistan but also for the entire region.
In its early years, the university continued its educational and administrative journey through rented buildings and various sub-campuses, however, in March 2025, the university was shifted to a modern and spacious campus built in the village of “Ferol Chomak” across the Indus River, which is a great milestone in its construction and development.
Facilities at New Campus
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar further informed that three academic blocks, including an administrative block, have been established in the new campus. It has been designed according to modern teaching and administrative requirements. The university has modern classrooms, modern laboratories, a library and various arrangements for the convenience of students. Work is also underway rapidly on projects to expand more academic buildings, strengthen research laboratories, provide digital learning facilities and provide quality residential facilities for teachers and students in the future.
Veterinary Educational Institutes in Pakistan – Veterinary Faculties, Colleges and Universities
Academic Programs at University of Baltistan Skardu
Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar said that 16 undergraduate, 6 MS and 2 PhD programs are currently being taught in different fields under the management of two major faculties of the University of Baltistan. The Faculty of Natural Sciences includes the departments of Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics and Zoology. The Faculty of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences has the departments of Business Management and Commerce, Educational Development, Languages and Cultural Studies, Tourism and Hospitality Management and Archaeology and Heritage Studies. The main objective of these educational programs is to provide a solid theoretical foundation to the students as well as to sharpen their practical skills and research capabilities.
Achievements of the University of Baltistan Skardu
The Vice Chancellor University of Baltistan said that the university has achieved many important achievements in a short period of time. The accreditation of BS Education and BS Computer Science programs has been obtained while various steps have been taken to promote research. National and international level conferences, seminars and academic activities are also being organized in the university, which is promoting the academic environment.
He further said that the university believes in the all-round training of its students, which is why cultural programs, sports competitions, seminars and community services are also promoted here along with academic activities. These activities promote leadership, teamwork and creativity among students.
University Alumni in Various Professions
Professor Dr. Masood Akhtar said that the students who have graduated from the university are rendering outstanding services in various fields. The graduates of the university are working successfully in the fields of IT, education, business management, entrepreneurship and tourism, while some students have also received prominent scholarships for higher education abroad, which is a source of pride for the university.
پروفیسر ڈاکٹر مسعود اختر ریٹائرڈ، زکریا یونیورسٹی کی ویٹرنری فیکلٹی کیلئے گرانقدر خدمات
University Promoting Tourism
Highlighting the geographical importance of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Vice Chancellor University of Baltistan said that Gilgit-Baltistan is of importance worldwide due to its unique geographical and cultural features. The region is home to the great mountain ranges of Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush, while places like K2, Deosai Plains and Fairy Meadows attract tourists from all over the world. The Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management of the University of Baltistan is playing an important role in promoting tourism and preparing trained personnel for this sector.
انڈوں کے عالمی دن کی مناسبت سے پروفیسر ڈاکٹر مسعود اختر کا خصوصی انٹرویو ۔۔ آفتاب سپیشل
Commitment to the Future
At the end of the discussion, Vice Chancellor University of Baltistan Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar reiterated the commitment that the University of Baltistan will play a more important role in the field of education, research and regional development in the future. Various steps are being taken to promote research in the university, increase cooperation with national and international universities and provide modern educational opportunities.
Vice Chancellor University of Baltistan expressed the commitment that all resources are being utilized to make the University of Baltistan a strong academic and research institution so that this institution can play an effective role in the educational development not only of Gilgit-Baltistan but also of the entire Pakistan.
About Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar
A distinguished educationist, renowned researcher and experienced administrator, Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar has over 33 years of professional experience in the field of higher education. He has served for a long time at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Bahauddin Zakaria University Multan.
As Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Bahauddin Zakaria University Multan (2014–2023), he has made several important reforms in the faculty including the introduction of new departments, modern laboratories, research units and various degree programs. Through his efforts, the DVM program was not only approved by the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council but also received international affiliation from the AAVMC (USA).
Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar is considered one of the founding researchers of immunoparasitology in Pakistan. He conducted research on modern antiparasitic vaccines in his PhD and postdoc. He not only introduced this important field in the country but also provided a strong foundation. Prof Masood Akhter has supervised the research of more than 10 PhD and more than 110 MPhil/MSc (Hons) students so far. He has successfully completed more than 10 research projects of various institutions including PSF, PARB, ALP, NSLP and HEC.
In recognition of his academic services, he has been awarded several national and international awards. These include AMBO Fellowship (Japan), HEC Postdoc Fellowship (New Zealand), Research Productivity Award of the Ministry of Science and Technology and PAMS Gold Medal. His more than 130 research articles and several textbooks and research books are reference books for higher education institutions across the country.
He has also played a prominent role at the national level and served on important committees of several institutions including HEC, PVMC and NAVTTC. In addition, he has signed collaboration agreements with renowned universities and research institutions in Germany, USA, Turkey, Kenya and other countries. Since November 2025, he is serving as Vice Chancellor University of Baltistan Skardu.
پروفیسر ڈاکٹر مسعود اختر وائس چانسلر بلتستان یونیورسٹی تعینات
