Department of Development Studies, KIU Hunza Campus

12/05/2026

The Department of Development Studies, Karakoram International University Hunza Campus proudly shares that Mr. Amjad Ali, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department, presented his latest research paper titled “Gendered Dimensions of Climate Change and Household Livelihood Resilience: A Case Study in Gilgit-Baltistan” at the prestigious Gender and the Economy Conference held at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore.

The study highlighted the growing impacts of climate change, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and socio-economic vulnerabilities in the remote mountain communities of District Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan. Using a mixed-methods research approach, the study examined household livelihood resilience across different livelihood capitals and explored the gendered dimensions of climate vulnerability in highly remote mountain valleys.

The findings revealed that overall household livelihood resilience in the study area remains critically low, with women facing comparatively greater vulnerabilities in financial and human capital domains due to limited access to resources, mobility constraints, and institutional exclusion. The research also demonstrated how geographic remoteness further intensifies gender-based vulnerabilities in mountain communities.

The conference brought together prominent national and international scholars, researchers, and policy experts working on gender, climate change, development, and resilience studies. Mr. Amjad Ali’s presentation contributed important empirical evidence from Gilgit-Baltistan to the broader academic and policy discourse on climate adaptation and gender-responsive resilience planning in mountain regions.

05/05/2026

The Department of Development Studies, Karakoram International University (KIU) Hunza Campus, proudly shares that Amjad Ali, Head of Department, delivered a compelling and insightful session at the Orientation on Climate Adaptation, Practices, and Integration into Education, held on May 4, 2026 at Government Girls High School Ganish.

The session was jointly organized by the School Education Department Gilgit-Baltistan in collaboration with Community World Service Asia, with participation from 60 teachers across Lower and Upper Hunza. The program aimed to strengthen teachers’ understanding of climate change and support the integration of adaptation practices into education.

In his session, Amjad Ali provided a scientifically grounded and locally contextualized perspective on climate change in Gilgit-Baltistan, highlighting key challenges such as glacier retreat, water scarcity, and increasing risks of floods. He emphasized that while mountain communities contribute least to global emissions, they face disproportionate impacts.

A central theme of his talk was the role of teachers as agents of change. He demonstrated how climate adaptation can be integrated into everyday teaching through practical and low-cost approaches, including classroom discussions, local case studies, school-based projects, and community engagement activities.

✨ “The classroom is the most powerful place to build a resilient Gilgit-Baltistan. Every student we teach today is a step towards a more prepared and adaptive future.”

The session was highly interactive, encouraging teachers to reflect on their local context and identify actionable steps to incorporate climate awareness into their teaching practices.

The Department of Development Studies, KIU Hunza Campus, continues to play a leading role in promoting climate education, research, and community resilience in mountain regions.

02/05/2026

📢 Important Announcement – Event Postponed

The Grand Election Debate 2026 (Hunza & Nagar) scheduled at KIU Hunza Campus has been postponed.

This decision has been made considering the ongoing examinations of our students, ensuring that everyone gets a fair opportunity to focus on their academic commitments.

We remain committed to organizing this important platform for dialogue, transparency, and student voice. A new date will be announced soon.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

📢 GRAND ELECTION DEBATE 2026 – KIU Hunza Campus

Karakoram International University, Hunza Campus proudly presents the Grand Election Debate 2026 for Hunza & Nagar — a platform where leadership meets accountability.

🗳️ Theme: “Why Should We Elect You?”
📅 Date: May 5, 2026
📍 Venue: KIU Hunza Campus, Karimabad

This debate provides an opportunity for candidates to:
✔️ Present their vision and leadership ideas
✔️ Engage in a fair and open dialogue
✔️ Address the concerns of students and the local community

🎯 Why attend?
Be part of an informed decision-making process. Listen, question, and choose the leadership that truly represents YOU.

🙌 Open for all students and local communities of Hunza & Nagar

🔴 Your Vote, Your Voice. Choose wisely.

15/04/2026

📢 GRAND ELECTION DEBATE 2026 – KIU Hunza Campus

Karakoram International University, Hunza Campus proudly presents the Grand Election Debate 2026 for Hunza & Nagar — a platform where leadership meets accountability.

🗳️ Theme: “Why Should We Elect You?”
📅 Date: May 5, 2026
📍 Venue: KIU Hunza Campus, Karimabad

This debate provides an opportunity for candidates to:
✔️ Present their vision and leadership ideas
✔️ Engage in a fair and open dialogue
✔️ Address the concerns of students and the local community

🎯 Why attend?
Be part of an informed decision-making process. Listen, question, and choose the leadership that truly represents YOU.

🙌 Open for all students and local communities of Hunza & Nagar

🔴 Your Vote, Your Voice. Choose wisely.

03/04/2026

Scholarship Opportunity for KIU Students! 🇵🇰🤝🇨🇳

The Department of Development Studies, KIU Hunza Campus, is pleased to share an exciting opportunity for our students!

Karakoram International University (KIU), Gilgit, has announced the China–Pakistan Friendship – Ambassadorial Merit-cum-Need Scholarship, generously funded by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan.

This scholarship aims to support talented and deserving students across all disciplines at KIU (Main and Sub-Campuses), with a special emphasis on promoting women’s education, particularly from remote regions.

📌 Who can apply?
• Regular undergraduate and graduate students
• Enrolled in Fall 2023, Spring/Fall 2024, or 2025 sessions
• Minimum CGPA: 3.0 or above

📌 Key Highlights:
• Merit and need-based categories available
• At least 50% scholarships reserved for female students

📅 Last Date to Apply: 25th April, 2026

🌐 How to Apply:
Visit: https://scholarships.kiu.edu.pk/page/scholarships/offers
Login using your student email and LMS password

📍 For further details, students may visit the Financial Aid Office KIU Hunza campus during working hours.

💡 We strongly encourage all eligible students of Development Studies to apply and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to support their academic journey.

📢 Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews.

31/03/2026

📢 Important Update from Karakoram International University

The Office of the Registrar has announced that KIU and all its sub-campuses will officially reopen on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, for the resumption of academic activities.
All faculty members, students, and staff are advised to resume their routines accordingly. Chairpersons and Heads of Departments (HoDs) have been directed to make necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of classes.
This decision has been taken with the approval of the competent authority.
Stay prepared and see you on campus! 🎓

20/03/2026

08/03/2026

🌸 International Women’s Day 2026 🌸

The Department of Development Studies, Karakoram International University (KIU) Hunza Campus, proudly celebrates International Women’s Day 2026 and recognizes the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in shaping families, communities, and societies.

We are proud to share that over 75% of our students are female, reflecting the strong commitment of young women in Hunza and surrounding mountain regions toward higher education and leadership in development practice. Their passion for learning represents a hopeful future for inclusive and sustainable development in our mountain communities.

Our faculty members are also actively contributing to research that highlights women’s roles, challenges, and empowerment in mountain societies. Some of the important studies produced by our faculty include:

Gender vulnerability and climate adaptation in high mountain regions: Evidence from remote valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan

A gendered analysis of perception and adaptation to climate change among high mountain farmers: A case study of Nagar District, Pakistan

Women in mountain tourism: Exploring the links between women tourism entrepreneurship and women empowerment in Hunza Valley

Geospatial inequalities in women’s malnutrition in Pakistan

Socio-economic determinants of girl’s higher education: Empirical insights from High Mountain Nagar District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Contributions of women's collective farming to women's agency in the Upper Indus Basin in the face of climate change

These research efforts reflect our department’s commitment to advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development in high mountain regions.

On this special day, we celebrate the achievements of women and reaffirm our dedication to education, research, and opportunities that enable women to lead and thrive.

💜 Empowering women means empowering communities.

06/03/2026

Announcement – KIU Hunza Campus

Karakoram International University (KIU) Hunza Campus informs all students that academic activities will resume from March 09, 2026, following a brief suspension due to administrative reasons.

All students are advised to attend their classes as per the regular schedule and remain connected with the official communication channels of the campus for any further updates.