History:

Gandhara is the name of an ancient province and kingdom, which in classical times, was limited to a small region in ancient India. The province Gandhara included roughly northwestern India between the Khyber Pass and the Indus River and the region of the Kabul Valley in Afghanistan. However, art and architecture from the Gandharean School had been found as far north as the Oxus River found in the Punjab. The name of the institution was Chosen on the basis of this regional affiliation. It is dotted profusely with arch-archeological sites of great cultural significance and was at the height of educational excellence. The ancient seats of learning ie: The Taxila University of Gandhara and the Buddhist Monastery at Takhta Bhai are few famous institutes. Students and scholars from all over the South Asia and china flocked to these seats of learning.

The North West Frontier Province has had limited resources since partition. Its educational institutes are still dependent on the single governmental university (The University of Peshawar). It was by the invitation of the government that private sector has stepped forwards to help and develop the province in regards to health and education.
Gandhara University, Peshawar was granted chartered by the Govt. of NWFP under “NWFP Ordinance No.LIV of 2002” Vide Notification No.Legis:1(1I) 97 dated 23rd Nov: 2002. 

Gandhara   University   being    recognized   by   the Higher Education Commission govt. of Pakistan in category   A university of Pakistan. Gandhara University, Peshawar contributes   in   fields   of Medicine,  Dentistry, Nursing,  Para Medical education, Computer Science & IT, Management Sciences Education and Pharmacy. It is still spreading its wings to broaden its horizon.

MISSION OF THE GANDHARA UNIVERSITY

• To foster academic excellence and improve the quality of education
• ­To establish center of excellence both at under graduate and post graduate levels, producing doctors, engineers and professionals in other disciplines dedicated and motivated to contribute towards the development of the country.
• Strengthen the government efforts in providing and creating equal opportunities of education.
• Establish educational standards compatible and competitive with the best, both in Pakistan and abroad.
• Reinforce struggle for self-reliance through increasing expertise in science, technology and in the field of business.
• Develop a wholesome and broad based personality of its students; inculcate in them a sense of moral and social responsibility.