About Department
Origin and Growth:
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS), the University of Agriculture Peshawar (UAP) mandate ‘Transforming Knowledge into Action’ for Sustainable Development. The IDS positions itself as a premier institution of higher learning and research in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with a remarkable legacy spanning over seven decades. Our journey began in 1953 with the establishment of the Board of Economic Enquiry (BEE), University of Peshawar. The BEE was envisioned as a catalyst for socio-economic research, operating under a governing body chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, with representation from various provincial departments and the BEE Director as member/secretary. The BEE was initially established as a temporary project financed through a grant-in-aid on a year-to-year basis.
By 1977, having cultivated a robust research capacity and diversified academic pursuits, the institution evolved into the Institute of Economic Studies (IES), reflecting its expanding intellectual horizons. The transformative year of 1981 marked a pivotal milestone when IES was elevated to the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) - and integrated into the University of Agriculture, Peshawar. This integration led to an era of enhanced funding, expanded mandate, and strengthened institutional capacity, positioning IDS at the forefront of development education and research.
Prof. Dr. Nurul Islam Mian (1982–1991), the founding Director of the IDS, played a key role in establishing and nurturing the Institute during its formative years. Since then, successive Directors and faculty members have made valuable contributions to the academic, research, and institutional development of IDS. Traditionally, the Institute offered degree programs in Rural Development and Economics. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Malik Inayatullah Jan Khalil (2023–2026) and the concerted efforts of its faculty and staff, IDS further expanded its academic portfolio by introducing two market-oriented undergraduate programs, BS Rural Development and BS Development Studies. The Institute has also expanded its postgraduate academic offerings in Development Studies, including the MS Development Studies program, while the PhD Development Studies program has received approval for future implementation. During this period, IDS launched its research journal, Review of Environment, Economics and Development Studies (REEDS), further strengthening its commitment to research, scholarship, and knowledge dissemination. The journal was established under the founding editorial leadership of Prof. Dr. Malik Inayatullah Jan Khalil, the founding Editor-in-Chief, with Dr. Muhammad Israr as the first Editor.
Academic Programmes
The Institute offers comprehensive academic pathways across two interconnected disciplines, designed to cultivate the next generation of development practitioners, economists, and rural development specialists:
Bachelor's Programmes
- BSc (Hons) Rural Development
- BS Rural Development
- BS Development Studies
- BS Economics
Master's Programmes
- MSc (Hons) Rural Development
- MS Development Studies
- MPhil Economics
Doctoral Programmes
- PhD Rural Development
- PhD Economics
Our curriculum is dynamically updated to address emerging global challenges, emphasizing field-based learning and practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is the establishment of equitable economies and resilient societies that reconcile people’s aspirations with the imperatives of environmental sustainability, pursued through deep mutual understanding and sustained collective endeavour. As the oldest and most comprehensively equipped development studies institute in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and among the most distinguished in Pakistan, IDS is dedicated to advancing knowledge that transforms lives and communities. Our mission is threefold: 1) to generate cutting-edge research that informs policy and practice; 2) to train exceptional development professionals; and 3) to serve as a bridge between academic knowledge and societal needs.
Our multidisciplinary research team, with doctoral degrees from leading international universities, focuses on diverse research areas. While our primary focus remains on KP, the newly merged areas of KP, and Pakistan's regional economic linkages, our expertise is available to address the socio-economic and development challenges wherever opportunities arise.
Global Connections, Local Impact
IDS maintains professional linkages with leading academic and research institutions, both nationally and internationally, fostering knowledge exchange and collaborative research that enriches our programmes and extends our reach. Our faculty regularly engage with international scholarly communities, bringing global perspectives to local challenges while sharing our unique insights from the Pakistan context.
Contact
Institute of Development Studies
Phone Office: +92 91 9221269
Fax: +92 91 9221013 Ext: 3187
Mobile: +92 300 5956780
Email: directorids@aup.edu.pk
Mailing Address: Institute of Development Studies (IDS), The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, 25130, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
