Anthropologyqau

04/09/2026

🌿 Plantation Drive at the Department of Anthropology

On 3rd September 2026, the Department of Anthropology organized a plantation activity in the front lawns of the Department. The Chairperson, Dr Saadia Abid, along with faculty members, officers, and staff, planted ornamental plants to enhance the beauty and greenery of the department.

The plantation activity was joined by Dr Inam Leghari, Dr Aneela Sultana, Dr Baha ul Haq, Fieldwork Supervisor Dr Sajjad Haider, and Technical Assistant Dr Tabassum Rehmani.

Staff members Mr Abdul Basit, Mr Shahzada Aftab Khan, Mr Sajjad Ahmad, Librarian, and Mr Aftab Ahmed also actively participated by planting trees and ornamental plants.

Special appreciation is extended to our dedicated gardeners, Mr Muhammad Talib and Mr Muhammad Saddiaque, who have been caring for and maintaining the Department's lawns for many years. Their continued efforts and services have played an important role in preserving the beauty and greenery of our surroundings.

This plantation drive carries an important message: “Own a Plant.”

As part of our civic and environmental responsibility, each one of us should plant trees and, equally importantly, take responsibility for their care and growth. Through such small but meaningful actions, we can contribute to beautifying the world around us and play our part in addressing the challenges of climate change and global warming.

🌳 Plant a tree. Care for it. Grow a greener future.

21/08/2026

Dr. Tafakhar Ali Asadi is hosting the event. A proud alumnus of the Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, where he completed his PhD in Anthropology.

11/08/2026

VISTING FACULTY REQUIRED FOR BS ANTHROPOLOGY FALL SEMESTER 2026

The services of the Visiting Faculty are required to teach the following courses to BS Anthropology students for Fall 2026

S. No. Course Code Course Title Credit Hours

1. IS 100 Islamic Studies 2
2. EN 100 Functional English 3
3. EN 200 Expository Writing 3
4. FQ 101 Understanding of Quran I/Fehm e Quran I 1
5. SOC 100/SOC 200 Sociology/ Social Work 3
6. AN 101 Core Concepts in Anthropology 3
7. CS 100 Applications of Information & Communication Technologies 3
8. SW 100 Civic and Community Engagement 2
9. AN 202 Economic Anthropology 3
10. AN 301 Medical Anthropology 3
11. AN 302 Power and Politics 3
12. AN 305 Ageing in Anthropology 3
13. AN 309 Applied Anthropology 3
14. AN 402 Conflict, Violence and Peace 3
15. AN 403 Gender and Society 3

• Interested candidates are required to submit hard/soft copy of their CV alongwith attached pro forma to the Office of the Department of Anthropology or via email to [email protected] latest by 20-08-2026.

• The minimum qualification for teaching a course is MPhil in the relevant field. However, preference will be given to PhD candidates or PhD students who have passed PhD comprehensive exam.

• Previous teaching experience and performance in seminar/interview will carry special weightage.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the date/time of seminar via E-mail.

• The Department reserves the right to accept or reject any application without providing any reason, and such a decision cannot be challenged in any court of law.

03/08/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT

The requirement to appear in the HEC Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) for admission to BS programmes has been waived for the current admission cycle.

Accordingly, all prospective candidates are eligible to apply for admission to the BS programmes at Quaid-i-Azam University, regardless of whether they have appeared in the HEC USAT.

Candidates, who have appeared in the USAT, whether or not they have qualified, are also eligible to apply. All other eligibility requirements and admission criteria, as prescribed in the Quaid-i-Azam University Admission Policy and the respective programme requirements shall remain unchanged.

03/08/2026

On 29 July 2026, Mr. Shahid Iqbal, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Anthropology at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, successfully defended his doctoral thesis titled:
"Socio-economic Remittances and Changing Dynamics of Rural Communities in District Gujrat, Pakistan."
The research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Anwar Mohyuddin, and the external examiners were Prof. Dr. Arab Naz and Prof. Dr. Jamil Ahmad.
The study offers a significant contribution to understanding the transformative role of socio-economic remittances in rural Pakistan. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research demonstrates how financial and social remittances from overseas migrants have positively influenced education, healthcare, livelihoods, investment, civic engagement, political awareness, and interfaith harmony in District Gujrat. The findings reveal that remittances have significantly improved access to quality education and healthcare for migrant families by enhancing their purchasing power. The study also shows that social remittances contribute to reducing ethnic tensions, promoting interfaith harmony, and strengthening civic participation and political awareness, particularly among families with overseas migrants. Overall, the research concludes that socio-economic remittances have played a profound role in the social and economic development of rural communities in District Gujrat.
Dr. Saadia Abid, Chairperson, congratulated Dr. Shahid Iqbal on the successful defense of his doctoral research and thanked the faculty members, students, and all participants who attended the online viva for their valuable participation and support.

16/07/2026

Admission Open Fall 2026:
MPhil Anthropology at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad

For details please visit:

https://qau.edu.pk/admission-notice-for-mphil-ms-programme-fall-semester-2026/

06/07/2026

An insightful article by Waqar Mehmood, an alumnus of the Department of Anthropology, has been published in Anthropology News, the official magazine of the American Anthropological Association.

Titled "Functioning Without Funding: Anthropology Research in Pakistan," the article examines the challenges of conducting anthropological research in Pakistan, with particular attention to the financial constraints faced by students and early career researchers. It also highlights the need for greater institutional support to strengthen anthropological research in the country.

Congratulations are extended to Waqar Mehmood on this notable achievement, with best wishes for his continued academic and professional success.

Read the full article:

In 2022, Pakistan was facing one of the worst floods in its history. At the same time, I was in my seventh semester of a bachelor’s degree in anthropology

22/05/2026

On 14th May 2026, Rabia Jawed, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Anthropology at Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, successfully defended her thesis titled “Navigating New Frontiers through an Anthropological Analysis of New Reproductive Technologies and Reproductive Health in Pakistan’’. Her research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Anwaar Mohy-ud-Din. The external examiners were Dr. Anwar Iqbal Shaheen and Dr. Aysha Sheraz.
The research examined the socio-cultural dimensions of reproductive health, new reproductive technologies (NRTs), and women’s reproductive rights in Pakistan through an anthropological lens. Conducted over one year at the Mother & Child Health Centre of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, the study employed a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design involving a survey of 383 respondents alongside participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies. The findings revealed that reproductive health in Pakistan is deeply shaped by cultural norms, gender expectations, social stigma, limited awareness, patriarchal structures, and unequal access to healthcare services and reproductive technologies. The research further highlighted barriers such as illiteracy, financial constraints, religious and socio-cultural perceptions, and restricted decision-making power for women regarding reproductive choices. The study concluded that ensuring equitable, informed, and culturally sensitive reproductive healthcare, including access to modern reproductive technologies, is essential not only for public health but also for advancing social justice, women’s empowerment, and human rights in Pakistan.

Chairperson Dr. Saadia Abid congratulated Dr. Rabia Jawad on this academic achievement and thanked the faculty members, students, and audience for their presence and engagement.

22/05/2026

On 14th May 2026, Tafakhar Ali , a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Anthropology at Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, successfully defended his thesis titled “ Dynamics of Successful Aging and Power: A Narrative Analysis of Early Life Experiences in Muzaffarabad Azad Jammu and Kashmir”. His research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Aneela Sultana. The external examiners were Prof. Dr. Jameel Ahmed and Dr. Anwar Iqbal Shaheen.
This ethnographic study anthropologically explores the dynamics of successful ageing through the lived experiences of older adults in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, a region undergoing demographic transition alongside rapid social change. Drawing on Bourdieu’s concept of social capital and Gramsci’s notion of cultural hegemony, the research examines how physical, financial, and social power shape autonomy, identity, and well-being in later life. Conducted over 18 months through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with older adults aged 60 to 90, including retired bureaucrats, academicians, judges, professionals, political and religious leaders, the study highlights ageing as a negotiated and relational experience influenced by shifting social roles, mobility restrictions, changing family dynamics, and evolving cultural values. The findings reveal the growing importance of social and religious ties for emotional well-being, the gendered dimensions of ageing, and the ways older women often experience greater social freedom in later life. A significant contribution of the study is the identification of a cultural shift from Khidmat (material care) to Raffaqat (companionship), emphasizing emotional support, meaningful engagement, dignity, and social inclusion for older adults. The research offers an important anthropological contribution to ageing studies in Pakistan and provides policy insights for promoting the well-being and quality of life of older adults.
Chairperson Dr. Saadia Abid congratulated Dr. Tafakhar Ali on this academic achievement and thanked the faculty members, students, and audience for their presence and engagement.

21/04/2026

For LLB applicants, the HEC Law Admission Test (LAT) is strictly required. No application will be processed without a valid result.