History
The genesis of the National Defence University was the commencement of Army War Course at the historic Command and Staff University, Quetta in 1963. Subsequently, realizing the need for a higher educational institution for the Armed Forces of Pakistan, the University was formally established at Rawalpindi on l4th February 1971. Two new courses called National Defence Course (ND Course) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) were introduced in the same year. These included participants from the Armed Forces and the Civil Services of Pakistan. Since 1988, the National Defence Course was opened to participants from friendly countries as well. On 14th August 1995, the University was shifted to its present premises at the foothills of Margallas in Sector E-9, Islamabad. The University has the distinction of training about 200 foreign participants, the entire senior leadership of the Armed Forces of Pakistan and a large number of senior bureaucrats.
National Defence University Location
The University is located in Sector E-9 of Islamabad at the foot of the scenic Margalla hills. Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan is strategically located keeping in view all aspects that are of significance in the capital city of any nation. The weather in Islamabad is quite hot as the mercury touches 47°C during the summers, while it almost touches the freezing point during winters.
It is a city which is on par with any capital city of the world extending all basic amenities of life. Being the Federal Capital it is easily accessible by all modes of transportation. It is also the home for all the foreign missions, consulates, and embassies of various countries and has evolved into a city that enjoys a diverse culture, an amalgamation of various cultures of the world.
Educational Philosophy
The aim of the course is to enable senior officers of the Armed Forces, Civil Services of Pakistan, and friendly countries to study factors bearing on national security and defense with a view to preparing them for the formulation of national strategy and assignments at the policy planning level.
National Defence University Faculty
The faculty which comprises the Commandant, chief instructors, and selected senior officers of the Armed Forces and civil services of Pakistan plays a significant part in the grooming of participants of the courses. Other than organizing lectures, discussions, and numerous other activities for the participants, the faculty grooms them to shoulder assignments at the policy planning level in their respective fields. The faculty is the inspiration behind all curriculum activities which are intellectually very stimulating. Finally the faculty also carefully evaluates the abilities of each participant and recommends his or her future employment.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Sports Facilities
- Cricket Ground
- Tennis Courts
- Gymnasium
- PAF Golf Club
- Naval Sports Complex
Hiking
Hiking and walk is periodically organized in Margalla Hills surrounding NDU
Movies
Movies are screened weekly in the University Auditorium. A children Cinema Club has also been established for young children residing on the campus
Ladies Club
Regular meetings of wives of the faculty members, staff, and the participants are held in the exclusive Ladies Lounge
National Defence University Campus
The University is administered through the Headquarters Wings headed by a Brigadier. Most of the faculty, participants, and staff of the University are accommodated within the University campus. The peaceful surroundings provide ideal for study. The University management, support in the form of telecommunications, computers facility and printing press. General staff branch looks after the staff work aspects while administrative aspects are managed by another dedicated branch. The upkeep and maintenance of the campus is carried out through Maintenance Engineer Services. Medical facilities are available through two medical officers. Similarly dining facilities can be availed from the Officers Mess.
Library
A well-stocked library supports all the research activities at the University. It has over 50,000 volumes of and reference material books on various disciplines. The library is fully computerized in terms of cataloguing, bibliographical data and indexation of magazine based articles. The Library Automation and Management Programme (LAMP) offers search and reference facilities to the users. A magazine section, comprising over 100 professional magazines, provides a data bank of articles which are very helpful for research purpose. The documentation section of the library consists of about 200 folders containing newspapers clippings covering subjects of topical interest.
Archives
The research conducted by the participants is preserved in the newly established archives besides other old reference material pertaining to the University. The members are provided access to old records for their research assignments.
Internet
Internet facility is provided to all members through a local area network (LAN) installed at the campus. The facility is available during library hours free of charge. The facility can also be provided at individual residences at nominal charges.