It is a public research university located in Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan.Consisting of four faculties, nine affiliated research institutes, the university is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in Pakistan in "overall category" by the HEC. Covering the approximated area of 1700 acres below the Margalla Hills, the university is internationally known for its higher learning, technological advancement, and intellectual interaction with a joint collaboration in various academic discipline with various international institutes, including the United Nations. It is one of the most popular universities in the country and has attracted world renowned scholars and intellectuals to serve as faculty, researchers, or alumni since its establishment in 1967.