Gibran Ahmed
ISLAMABAD, March 2, 2026: In a move poised to transform its postgraduate programs, the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) appointed Dr Rabia Gul from Chitral as Director Graduate Studies on Monday, marking a significant step in the university’s academic evolution.
Dr Gul, a trailblazing force in sociology, steps into this pivotal role after a stellar tenure as Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences at IIUI, where her academic expertise and groundbreaking research set her apart as one of the field’s leading lights.
Her appointment is set to strengthen IIUI’s postgraduate programs, placing her at the helm of crucial areas such as MSc and PhD admissions, thesis assessments and the management of international evaluations, ensuring a more rigorous and globally competitive academic framework.
She will also serve as IIUI’s key liaison to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and other regulatory bodies, safeguarding the university’s adherence to national academic standards while elevating its standing on the national stage.
The university’s announcement framed Dr Gul’s appointment as a key move to fortify research governance and postgraduate academic administration at IIUI, aligning it seamlessly with institutional goals and stringent regulatory requirements.
A towering figure in her field, Dr Gul’s career trajectory is nothing short of exceptional. Holding a PhD in Sociology from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, (2013), she has garnered global acclaim for her pioneering research in gender studies and social justice.
Her groundbreaking work – particularly her studies on digital harassment and gender dynamics within Pakistan’s patriarchal educational institutions – has not only shaped policy but also ignited global dialogues on women’s rights and social empowerment.
Dr Gul’s research delves into pressing issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive health, and the empowerment of women in leadership, challenging societal norms and advocating for transformative change.
Her academic excellence has secured her a slew of prestigious fellowships, including the Fulbright Fellowship at Brown University (2019-20) and a stint at Harper College, Illinois (2023), cementing her status as a trailblazer in the study of gender and society. Her academic contributions are equally impressive, with numerous publications in top-tier journals, influencing both regional and international policy on gender equity.
Dr Gul’s work is not only recognized locally but also shapes global discourse, with her research cited in major academic databases.
On Google Scholar, she has authored 51 academic articles, amassing 828 citations, a testament to the profound impact of her work. With an H-index of 15, she stands as a consistently influential voice in sociology and gender studies, shaping the field with every publication.
On Web of Science, Dr Gul’s 19 published articles have garnered 105 citations, with an H-index of 5, highlighting the broad academic impact of her research and demonstrating that several of her papers have become key references in the field.
On Scopus, Dr Gul has contributed 22 articles, racking up 156 citations, further solidifying her influence in the academic world and underscoring the far-reaching impact of her research across global scholarly communities.
Her appointment underscores IIUI’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
With her extensive expertise and proven track record, she is poised to play a transformative role in shaping the university’s postgraduate programs, raising their global standing, and ensuring they remain at the forefront of research, diversity, and academic integrity.
As IIUI looks to broaden its academic horizons, Dr Gul’s leadership in graduate studies is expected to position the university’s programs as paragons of cutting-edge research, rigorous academic standards, and a steadfast commitment to gender equality and social justice.
