The University began as an institute in 1970 to help people communicate and understand each other in different languages, to assimilate different cultures and to act as a springboard for emerging disciplines. At present it is a fully autonomous, degree awarding University. It has crossed several barriers and now teaches 23 languages in addition to many emerging arts and sciences. It is open to all persons, regardless of class, creed, gender, race or color. The President of Pakistan is the Chancellor while the Federal Minister of Education is the Pro-Chancellor .The day to day administration is controlled by a Board of Governors headed by the Chief of Army Staff. Federal Secretaries of different ministries and prominent citizens from both private and public sectors function as its members.