Dr Abrar Niazi of the Institute of Geology at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has become the institute’s youngest supervisor to guide two scholars to successful PhD completion. On 29 October 2025 his scholars Ali Yousaf Khan and Mansoor Awan defended research on groundwater capacity and quality in Azad Kashmir before an examining panel that included renowned experts from China, Japan and Pakistan.
Born in the village of Rerban in Bagh district, Dr Abrar Niazi completed FSc from Government College Bagh, an MSc from Bahria University Islamabad, an MPhil from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad and a PhD from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad. His academic progression and local roots have informed a research agenda focused on practical water resource solutions for the region.
Since beginning his teaching career in 2011, Dr Abrar Niazi has successfully supervised 25 MS students and two PhD candidates, with research concentrated on groundwater resources, hydrogeology and environmental geophysics. He has led more than ten research projects, including work under HEC NRPU, producing important scientific findings on natural resource management, landslides and reservoir behaviour.
Dr Abrar Niazi analysed technical failures in the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project and prepared targeted rehabilitation recommendations, demonstrating his ability to translate research into actionable engineering advice. Within the university he has overseen 10 of 11 consultancy projects, reinforcing the Institute of Geology’s role in solving regional technical challenges.
Beyond academia, Dr Abrar Niazi has advanced public service by installing over 70 water wells across different districts of Azad Kashmir, enabling hundreds of families to access clean drinking water. He teaches courses in hydrogeology, groundwater modeling and exploration geophysics, and serves as chair of the examination committee and focal person for the Quality Enhancement Cell, contributing to both education quality and institutional governance.
This milestone — becoming the youngest supervisor to shepherd PhD completions at the institute — highlights Dr Abrar Niazi’s sustained commitment to research excellence and community service, a development that strengthens the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s mission to address local water and environmental challenges.
