The University of Poonch Rawalakot (UPR) is a premier public university located in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Established in 2008, UPR has evolved from an agricultural college to a full-fledged university, providing a diverse array of academic programs and contributing significantly to research and innovation in the region.
History and Establishment
Founded in 2008, the University of Poonch Rawalakot (UPR) started as an agricultural college, focusing on higher education in the agricultural sciences. Over the years, it has grown and diversified into several faculties, expanding its offerings to a wide range of academic fields. The transformation into a full university was a key step in enhancing access to higher education in the region.
Campuses and Faculties
UPR operates across three campuses:
- Main Campus Rawalakot
- Kahuta Campus
- Mong Campus
The university consists of seven faculties, each offering specialized academic programs:
Faculties at UPR:
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences
- Faculty of Management, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology
- Faculty of Law
These faculties together offer undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate courses across a variety of disciplines.
Academic Programs
UPR offers a range of academic programs at different levels:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Agriculture
- Basic and Applied Sciences
- Management Sciences
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Veterinary and Animal Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
Graduate Programs:
- Business Administration
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Education
- Engineering
Postgraduate Programs:
- Offered across various faculties, enabling students to pursue advanced studies in specialized fields.
Diploma Programs (AD Programs):
- Specialized diploma courses offered in selected disciplines.
Research and Achievements
The university places a strong emphasis on research and innovation. It has established several research institutions and laboratories to foster academic and scientific progress. One such example is the JK Journal of Agriculture, which highlights UPR’s dedication to advancing research in agricultural sciences.
UPR’s faculty members are actively engaged in research projects across disciplines, contributing to both national and international academic communities.
Community Engagement
UPR is dedicated to addressing the needs of its community through academic initiatives, research, and outreach programs. Its focus on practical, applied sciences ensures that students contribute meaningfully to the region’s socio-economic development.
Faculty Members and Key Personnel
The university’s faculty is structured across its seven faculties, with key departments offering specialized courses. Some notable faculty members include:
- Prof. Dr. Abdul Rauf Khan – Professor of Physics
- Prof. Dr. Adnan Idris – Professor of Computer Sciences & Information Technology
- Dr. Dilnawaz Ahmed Gardezi – Professor Emeritus in Plant Breeding and Molecular Genetics
- Prof. Dr. Abdul Hamid – Meritorious Professor of Horticulture
- Prof. Dr. Nasir Rahim – Professor of Soil & Environmental Sciences
- Dr. Muhammad Shehzad – Associate Professor of Agronomy
- Dr. Muhammad Tariq Khan – Associate Professor of Plant Pathology
These distinguished faculty members contribute to the university’s growth in both education and research.
University Facilities
UPR offers a range of modern facilities across its campuses, designed to support academic and extracurricular activities:
- Classrooms: Equipped with multimedia tools for an interactive learning experience.
- Laboratories: Specialized labs for agriculture, engineering, veterinary sciences, and more.
- Library: A comprehensive library with academic books, journals, and digital resources.
- Sports and Recreation: Dedicated spaces for physical activities and student clubs.
Contact Information
Main Campus Rawalakot
- Address: University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
- Phone: +92-5822-960030, +92-5822-960031
- Fax: +92-5822-960034
- Email: info@upr.edu.pk
Kahuta Campus
- Phone: +92-5822-960036
- Email: kahutacampus@upr.edu.pk
Mong Campus
- Phone: +92-5822-960037
- Email: mongcampus@upr.edu.pk
Conclusion
The University of Poonch Rawalakot (UPR) is a leading educational institution that continues to grow in prominence. With its diverse academic programs, commitment to research, and modern infrastructure, UPR is shaping the future of higher education in Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The university’s efforts in providing a holistic education experience are preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society and the global academic community.
