National Defense University

In 1962, Major General Sahabzada Yaqub Khan led the Army Staff College in Quetta. Known for his strategic brilliance, he was tasked with designing a new war course. As a result, the first Army War Course began on 1st May 1963 with twelve officers. This group included one officer each from the Navy and Air Force.

By 1965, the course expanded to 16 participants. However, due to the Pakistan-India War, no course took place in 1966. Recognizing the growing need for a dedicated institution, authorities established the National Defence College (NDC) on 28th May 1970. The college was set up in Ayub Hall, Lalkurti, Rawalpindi, which once housed the National Assembly.

Later, NDC moved to its permanent campus, where it operated for 25 years. Major General Abdul Hamid Khan, SQA, served as the first Commandant. Brigadier Muhammad Ahmed, SJ, became the Chief Instructor of the War Wing. In 1975, following Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s directive, NDC affiliated with the Federal University of Islamabad. Consequently, participants could now earn MSc degrees in War Studies.

Due to limited space at Lalkurti, President General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq decided to relocate the College. The move took place on 14th August 1995, to a newly constructed facility in Islamabad. In 2007, the National Defence College gained university status. Simultaneously, the War College became part of the new university as the Armed Forces War College. This transformation led to the creation of the National Defence University (NDU).

In February 2009, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee decided to merge the War and National Defence Courses. As a result, the new ‘National Security and War Course’ was introduced. It includes two core segments: National Security Term and Military Strategy Term.

Vision

NDU aims to be a leading center for academic excellence and strategic research. It supports open debate and critical inquiry on national security issues. The University’s work informs strategy and policy for the benefit of society.

Mission

NDU prepares future leaders from Pakistan and allied nations. It offers interdisciplinary education and research programs. Through outreach and professional exchanges, it focuses on security and contemporary studies.

Courses and Program

National Defense University offered Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree.