Federal Urdu University
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The Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (Urdu: وفاقی جامعہ اردو), alternatively known as FUUAST, is a public university primarily located at Islamabad, Pakistan, with a sub-campus at Karachi.
Of the university's two campuses, the central campus is located in Islamabad while the secondary campus is located in Karachi. The administrative and degree awarding units of the university are currently based in Karachi, which also acts as the university's present headquarters. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in undergraduate and post-graduate. The university is noted for its engaging research in fine arts, languages, engineering, social sciences and philosophy. With an tentative approximated of ~13,500 enrolled students currently attending the university.
Accreditation and ranking
it is one of the largest institution in the country and is one of the top 10 universities in the "general category" ranked by the Higher Education Commission (Pakistan).
The Federal Urdu University holds a unique distinction of being as one of the few institutions of higher learning in languages and maintains a distinguish reputation for conducting scientific research towards the advancement of languages, engineering, philosophy, natural, medical and social sciences. In addition, the university is also known for its financial affordability while engaged in offering an international standard scientific research and development in various academic mulch-disciplines.
Prominent students
• Muhammad Usman Malik (Mass Communication at Islamabad Campus)
Mass Communication Department Islamabad Campus
Dr. Sikander Zareen Ali is a Pakistani academic and media professional associated with the field of mass communication. He is currently leading the Department of Mass Communication at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad Campus. With extensive experience in journalism education and media practice, he has played a significant role in academic leadership and curriculum development within the department.
In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Zareen serves as the Director of PEHEL News and DEIP Newspaper, where he contributes to media management, editorial direction, and professional journalism standards. His work bridges the gap between media theory and practical journalism, providing students with industry-oriented learning and exposure.
Dr. Sikander Zareen is regarded as one of the most influential and contributing faculty members of the Mass Communication Department at FUUAST. His contributions include teaching, research, mentorship, and institutional development, which have strengthened the department’s academic standing and professional relevance. Through his academic and media initiatives, he continues to support the growth of responsible journalism and communication studies in Pakistan.
The second annual edition of Pehel magazine was launched at the Department of Mass Communication, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad Campus. This edition was published under the theme of Green Journalism, focusing on environmental awareness, climate change, and sustainability issues.
History
Urdu College was first established by Baba-e-Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq at Karachi in 1949. Then this college was given the status of a University on 13 November 2002 by presidential order and is the first university in Pakistan to teach primarily in the Urdu language. It was established by merging the Federal Urdu Arts College and the Federal Urdu Science College, both in Karachi. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui was appointed as the first Vice Chancellor of Federal Urdu University in 2002. President Pervez Musharraf was the university's first chancellor.
Allegations and related dispute
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ziauddin is a retired senior academician who served as the acting Vice Chancellor of the university. He was appointed as the acting Vice Chancellor in September 2022 by President Arif Alvi to manage the university during a leadership vacancy. His appointment was extended in June 2023. In October 2023, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training removed Dr. Ziauddin from the position of acting Vice Chancellor.
During a dispute between the administration of the university and the Higher Education Commission over alleged irregularities in appointments and financial matters, the university administration of that time formally contested the commission's findings. Muhammad Ziauddin authored a response report submitted to the Chancellor (the president of Pakistan), arguing that the HEC had misrepresented or selectively excluded complete enrollment and staff data. He further stated that individuals who had been offered posts but had not joined were wrongly included in calculations, that findings were based mainly on the Karachi campus while not fully considering the Islamabad campus, and that the selection committee's quorum complied with university rules, with two subject specialists not being mandatory. The report also maintained that objections raised more than a year after the recruitment process lacked procedural validity and noted that the HEC Chairman had participated in the relevant Senate proceedings without prior objection.
Campuses and departments
The Federal Urdu University comprises three campuses and a number of departments:
- Abdul Haq Campus at Baba-e-Urdu Road, Karachi (previously known as Federal Urdu Arts College)
- Gulshan Campus at the University Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi (previously known as Federal Urdu Science College)
- Islamabad Campus, Kuri Model Village, Mozah Mohrian, 5B, Near Bahria Enclave Road, Islamabad (established in 2003 near Zero Point, Islamabad. Later moved on to Kuri Model Village)
