About Us

The Department of Political Science was founded in 1962 at the University of Peshawar, the oldest and most renowned institution located in the northwestern region of Pakistan. Since its inception, the department has offered a comprehensive platform for studying and analysing political theory, comparative politics, public policy, governance, and international relations. Dedicated to promoting scholarly excellence, the department emphasises evidence-based knowledge production, the use of interdisciplinary frameworks and methodologies in the study of politics, and policy relevance.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a meaningful platform for students and researchers where they can cultivate a deeper and more critical understanding of politics and governance at the local, national, regional, and global levels. We aim to achieve this through a strong commitment to teaching, rigorous research, and the promotion of scholarly collaboration. By encouraging open dialogue, critical inquiry, and knowledge-sharing, we seek to empower individuals with the analytical skills necessary to interpret and address contemporary political and governance challenges. In addition, we emphasize community engagement as a means of connecting academic knowledge with real-world issues, ensuring that our work contributes not only to scholarship but also to society at large.

History of The Department

Established in 1962, the Department of Political Science is among the oldest teaching departments at the University of Peshawar. Prof. Dr. Mrs. Afsar Saleem Khan was one of the pioneering founders, who will be remembered for her contribution to establishing the department. The learned professor led a team of dedicated faculty members who played an equally vital role in its development. Among those committed individuals were Prof. Dr Asrar Hussain, Dr Muhammad Riaz (of Law College), Prof. Dr Raja Muhammad Naib and Prof. Iqbal Tajik. All these faculty members elevated the institution’s academic standards. In the 1980s, the two specialized courses, namely Public Administration and International Relations, offered at the department, enabled the faculty to develop into two separate institutions, i.e., the Institute of Management studies and the Department of International Relations. The department is proud of providing manpower resources to higher education institutions, the civil service of Pakistan, and various private and public sector organizations.

Testimonials