Karakoram International University was originally founded in 2002 by a charter from the Federal Government. It was ordered by the then President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, to establish the university.
The university is located in Gilgit, against the dramatic backdrop of the Karakoram Range.
The university also has three regional campuses situated in Hunza, Ghizer, and Diamer.
There are four faculties at the university: Faculty of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Social Sciences. Each faculty is divided into different departments which offer a range of both undergraduate and graduate degree programmes. There is also the Advance Studies and Research Office which facilitates all of the university¡¯s postgraduate studies and research-based degree programmes.
The university supports regional development through training in gemstone cutting, woodcraft, mining, and agriculture. It also advises local entrepreneurs and farmers, promoting economic sustainability.