Development, and especially industrial development requires highly trained and skilled manpower at all levels, all the more so when a feasible measure of industrial autarky is aimed at. This manpower is produced neither overnight nor cheaply; it requires planning for the future and a strict check on quality as well as quantity. The production of highly educated and trained manpower is the task of the university and other specialized institutions like polytechnics.It was with a view to contribute to the industrial development of the country that the department of Applied Chemistry was established in 1970 with a view to train the students in various industrial technologies and to cater to the needs of the fast growing industrial development in the country. Late Prof. Dr. M. A. Salam was the first and the founder Chairman of the Department. Because of shortage of teachers, only ten students were given admission in B.SC. ( Hons ) in the first year and six permanent teaching staff members were appointed along with some part time teachers from PCSIR, Karachi Polytechnic and the Economics Department of this university. Originally the department was housed in Old Pharmacy building but now it has its own building and adequate space.