CIIT Abbottabad

The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) initiated the proposal for the formation of Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in South (COMSATS). The (TWAS) at that time was headed by the Noble Laureate from Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Abd-ul-Salam. On his suggestion the Foundation Conference was held in October 1994 in Islamabad. The representatives of 36 countries and of international organizations attended the Conference. The Conference unanimously adopted the resolution for the establishment of COMSATS.

The COMSATS is an international organization, with it’s headquarter in Islamabad. The main objective of the COMSATS is to sensitize the developing countries to the centrality of the science and technology in the process of development. COMSATS, right from its inception, has been supporting the programs for the development of science and technology in the developing countries It has undertaken a number of programs in different areas, which have benefited the member countries.

In 1997, the COMSATS, through a notification setup the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), which became functional in April 1998. The CIIT is fully equipped to handle the needs of the fast-paced IT industry and flexible enough to anticipate and meet the challenges of future technologies. The CIIT has a mission to deliver new ideas and products through research, development and education in strategic partnership with IT industry and organizations.

Spanning an area of 308 Kanals, stands the grand structure of Abbottabad Campus of CIIT. Imparting quality education, contributing effectively to the research base of Pakistan, providing state-of-the-art facilities to students, helping in social uplift of the community it is located in, the campus symbolizes a modern and progressive seat of learning. Abbottabad Campus became functional in July 2001, and the first academic session started in September 2001.

From a modest beginning with three departments and 121 student strength, three undergraduate programs and physical structure comprising old World-War II barracks, emerged the leading institute of the region which has now ten departments, a student strength of 5560 (46 fold increase), 13 undergraduate programs, 11 graduate programs, a qualified faculty strength of 463 including 85 PhDs and 43 modern laboratories. Our physical infrastructure emulates the best educational institutions of country.

To meet the challenges of the National commitment to education, CIIT Abbottabad plans, in the coming years, to launch 17 new departments with a focus on science led engineering, social, medical and agriculture sciences. Future of CIIT Abbottabad campus is as challenging and exciting as the offerings of a wide array of contemporary disciplines offered to the coming generation of leaders and scientists. We do not distribute degrees; we breed a generation of leaders and live true to our Motto 'We Aim to Inspire'

CIIT attained the status of degree awarding institute vide the Presidential Ordinance No. XXXVIII issued on 12th August, 2000.