Introduction

 The establishment of Hazara University has been one of the most miraculous achievements of the region, for which the people of the area have rendered great sacrifices and have done a lot of hard work. It was the realization of their long cherished dream.

     The first draft of Hazara University Act was prepared by Higher Education Department, NWFP and the University Grants Commission (Now Higher Education Commission) in 1995. Two years later, in 1997, the NWFP Provincial Assembly passed Hazara University Act in 1997 and Lt. Gen. (R) Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah Governor NWFP took the bold step of establishing Hazara University in the then Neuropsychiatry Hospital, Dhodial, Mansehra, in 2002.

     The campus of Hazara University is situated 14 kilometres to the north of Mansehra town on the right side of Karakuram Highway in a serene, peaceful, rural, pollution free environment. The patches of the green pines across the sprawling campus enhanced its natural location and accentuate the harmonious calm of its location. The vast plain of Pakhal with its agricultural wealth irrigated by the River Siran and tea gardens surround the University. Towards the northeast the hills are covered with the dense forest and in the background far beyond the lofty peaks of the snow-covered mountains of Kaghan Valley add to its panoramic attraction. On the western, southern and the eastern sides the rolling ranges of the hills offer the captivating scene. The gentle and the fresh wind blowing across the campus waft an invigorating freshness so conducive for learning environment.

     Hazara University with its immaculate natural surrounding appears to have a far superior location with a formative influence, which serves as the educator of senses and mind alike. The most famous and attractive summer resorts of Kaghan Valley, Galliyat and Siran Valley with fascinating mountains and hills are at a convenient distance of a few hours drive from the University Campus, linked with wide metal-roads. The transport facilities to these places of attraction are available at any hour of the day and night.

     During the winter season, the snow-covered mountains flanks of Kaghan Valley are a rare attraction for the adventurous youth to pursue winter sports like skiing, mountaineering and hiking. The enchanted location of lake Saif-ul-Maluk at a distance of 100 KM linked with beautiful road at the foot of fascinating mountain slopes offers a rare scenic beauty to enthral the heart and mind with its artistic natural setting. The vast expanse of lagoon reflecting the crystal clear sunlight during day and the bright spectacle of stars and moon at night transports the visitor to paradise of his desired dreams.

     Thus, Hazara University is unique to be the recipient of the choicest blessings of Nature due to its most heavenly gifted landscape and location. The University tries to assimilate these healthy natural influences for the growth and development of the young minds to absorb the academic experiences with unmatched enthusiasm.

     Hazara University embarked upon its long journey in 2002, when it started its first classes in five graduate study programs initially with a student intake of 164 and half a dozen faculty members. During this short span, the University registered progress unmatched by any other university in the country at a similar early phase, and it is now in the process of producing a community of scholars committed to making inroads into the yet un-chartered regions of knowledge in the emerging and traditional disciplines by incessant research for which numerous facilities of advanced levels are being provided at the campus.