University Of Baltistan Skardu

University of Baltistan Restructures Faculties and Operationalizes Faculty of Life Sciences

Islamabad, 21 May 2026
The University of Baltistan, Skardu, has approved the restructuring of its existing faculties and the operationalization of the Faculty of Life Sciences, marking another milestone in its pursuit of academic and research excellence.

The decision was approved during the 25th meeting of the University Syndicate. The initiative aims to align the university with contemporary academic standards, enhance the quality of research, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. It is regarded as a significant step toward strengthening higher education and institutional development at the university.

With the Faculty of Life Sciences now officially operational, the Para Veterinary School under its umbrella will also become operational following approval by the University Senate.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar stated that aligning the University of Baltistan with modern academic standards remains the administration’s top priority. He noted that the establishment and operationalization of the Faculty of Life Sciences, along with the restructuring of existing faculties, represent a major advancement in the university’s academic history and will play a vital role in advancing research, innovation, and quality higher education.

Prof. Dr. Akhtar further affirmed the university’s commitment to introducing new academic programs, research initiatives, and international collaborations to provide students of the region with opportunities for world-class education and research.

This initiative reflects the university’s continued commitment to academic growth and institutional development under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor.

Exposure Visit to Skardu International Airport Organized by the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management, University of Baltistan, Skardu

Skardu, May 20, 2026 – The Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management, University of Baltistan, Skardu, organized an exposure visit to Skardu International Airport for 100 students to provide practical exposure to the aviation and tourism sectors.

During the visit, students observed various operational domains of the airport and acquired knowledge on aviation tourism, airport management, security systems, Airport Security Force protocols and procedures, passenger handling, fire safety systems, and customer service operations. The delegation also visited the air traffic control watch tower, meteorological station, and other technical sections to gain an understanding of airport functionality and operational management.

Interactive briefing sessions were conducted by senior officials of Skardu International Airport:
- Mr. Shahid Imran, Chief Operating Officer and Airport Manager
- Mr. Nasir Hussain, Deputy Airport Manager
- Mr. Shahmir Hussain Rinchan, Officer Commanding, Airport Security Force
- Mr. Iftikhar Ali, Supervisor, Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance / Information Technology

The officials briefed the students on the structure of the aviation industry, airport operations, emerging trends in aviation tourism, and prospective career pathways in the sector.

The study tour was led by Ms. Maria Akbar, Head of the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management. Faculty members Mr. Junaid Ahmed and Mr. Shamshad accompanied the students and expressed appreciation to the airport administration and Airport Security Force for facilitating an informative and interactive session.

The visit served as a valuable experiential learning exercise and reflected the department’s commitment to professional development, practical education, and institutional collaboration with stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Islamabad: May 17, 2026
A meeting was held at FAO Project Coordinator Office at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Islamabad between Project Coordinator Dr. Ehtisham ul Haq Khan and Vice Chancellor University of Baltistan Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar.

During the meeting, both sides discussed potential opportunities for collaboration between FAO Pakistan and the university, particularly in the field of research and development related to yaks. The discussion focused on promoting scientific research, conservation, and sustainable management of yak populations in the region and across the country.
The representatives of FAO Pakistan assured their support for the University of Baltistan in undertaking research activities concerning yaks. The proposed collaboration aims to strengthen academic and scientific efforts for the preservation, breeding, and promotion of yak populations, which are an important source of livelihood and economic activity in high-altitude areas.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated the interest and support of FAO Pakistan and expressed hope that the collaboration would open new avenues for research, community development, and livestock sustainability in Gilgit-Baltistan and other mountainous regions of Pakistan.

Islamabad, May 18, 2026: Vice Chancellor of University of Baltistan, Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar, participated in the 2nd Pak–China Symposium on Early Warning for Hydrological and Geological Disasters organized by the National Disaster Management Authority at its Headquarters on May 18, 2026.

The symposium brought together national and international experts to strengthen cooperation on climate resilience and multi-hazard early warning systems. Discussions focused on floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), landslides, earthquakes, and other climate-related hazards, while highlighting the importance of advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and geospatial tools in disaster risk reduction and management.

During the event, NDMA also launched “Global Best Practices for Disaster Mitigation and Management” aimed at improving preparedness and response mechanisms. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that climate change remains one of the greatest global challenges and stressed the need for science-based planning and institutional coordination. Chairman NDMA highlighted the importance of anticipatory and technology-driven disaster management approaches.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar termed the symposium highly valuable for promoting academic and institutional linkages in addressing environmental and disaster-related challenges, particularly in mountainous regions like Gilgit-Baltistan.

Islamabad, 18 May 2026
Prof. Dr. Masood Akhtar, Vice Chancellor, University of Baltistan, Skardu, held a meeting with Mr. Ghulam Nabi, Director General Finance, Higher Education Commission, in Islamabad to deliberate on the university’s financial and operational requirements.

The discussions centered on matters pertaining to the financial stability and administrative functioning of the University of Baltistan, Skardu. Both sides reviewed the challenges confronting the institution and examined possible measures for their resolution.

The Director General Finance assured the Vice Chancellor that the Higher Education Commission would continue their support and reaffirmed to undertake appropriate steps to address the financial concerns of the university.