Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar Appointed First Female Chairperson of PU History and Pakistan Studies Department

Lahore — Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar has been appointed as the first female chairperson of the Department of History and Pakistan Studies at the University of the Punjab (PU), Lahore. A highly respected historian and scholar, Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar brings decades of research, teaching, and international academic collaboration to the role.

Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar holds a PhD from Punjab University and completed her postdoctoral studies at Royal Holloway, University of London. She was awarded a Gold Medal during her Master’s degree, highlighting her academic excellence early on.

With more than 40 research papers published in international academic journals, Dr. Iftikhar is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most prominent historical scholars. Her two acclaimed books —

• “Indian Feminism: Class, Gender and Identity”, and
• “Jahan Ara: The Mughal Princess” —
  have received widespread recognition in both national and international academic circles.

Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar has proudly represented Pakistan at academic forums in eight countries, contributing to conferences and dialogues on history, gender, and identity. She has also led joint research initiatives with institutions in Turkey and Uzbekistan, further strengthening Pakistan’s scholarly ties abroad.

Additionally, she has served as a visiting faculty member at Qinghai University in China and Alisher Navoi University in Uzbekistan, enhancing Pakistan’s academic presence globally.

Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar appointment is seen as a breakthrough for women in higher education leadership in Pakistan. Her vision and scholarship are expected to bring progressive academic reforms and inspire a new generation of researchers in historical and Pakistan studies.