The Department of Anthropology at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad has the distinction of being the first and, as of now, the only separate and independent Department in the country. It was established in 1974 under a programme of collaboration with the Universities of Pennsylvania (USA) and Heidelberg (Germany). The Department was established with the efforts of Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hassan Dani. In August 1976 Prof. Dr. Muhammad M.A. Rauf was appointed as the first Chairman of the Department.

Expansion of Academic Programmes

The Department was offering Master's degree since its inception. From September 2002, the Department expanded its academic programmes and initiated the classes of M.Sc self finance, M.Phil and Ph.D. Enrollment in the Department has increased manifold, as at present there are 128 M.Sc, 52 M.Phil and 21 Ph.D students. A large number of government and non-government and non­government organizations are being contacted for research collaboration.

Strengthening of Field Research

Three semesters of course work and one semester compulsory fieldwork is the distinctive feature of the programme, which sets if special from other Social Sciences. During Anthropological fieldwork the students have to live in their respective research sites that are generally rural areas of Pakistan. On the basis of their extensive fieldwork students are required to write their thesis. It provides them an opportunity to learn how to analyze the field data. It also helps them to develop deep insight about Pakistani Society and culture. The Department of Anthropology is thus a growing Department with emphasis on research, training and highly advanced educational perspectives in the teaching of the discipline.
Now realizing the changing trends in social sciences world over, and keeping in view the scope of new developments in the country and new emerging issues, emphasis has been shifted to problem oriented research studies so that the graduates of the department could effectively contribute in the development of the country by identifying the issues of masses and the changes in the society. The focus of department is now more on current issues such as social change and development, effects of globalization, Environment, family planning, social problems, child labour, women & child rights, mother & child health, education, gender issues, women and development etc.

Scope of Anthropology

It is well established now that after completion of Anthropology degree the students participate in nation building activities. The graduates of Anthropology are actively involved in Development activities such as, Rural Development, Population Planning, Forestry Development, Rural Health Schemes, and Community Development. The training imparted in the Department enable the students to contribute effectively in the development of the country.