ISLAMABAD, 10 August 2026 (Ghufran): Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has set a new precedent by initiating the dispatch of textbooks to students enrolled in Semester Autumn 2026 alongside the ongoing admissions process. The initiative has been launched on the special instructions of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood to ensure timely provision of academic materials to students.For the first time in the university’s history, the textbook distribution process has commenced simultaneously with admissions, enabling students to receive prescribed study materials without unnecessary delay and begin their academic activities from the outset of the semester.Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood said that saving students from waiting for textbooks and ensuring timely provision of academic materials was the university’s priority. He said the initiative would help make the distance learning system more effective and facilitate students in planning and pursuing their studies from the beginning of their educational journey.He directed that textbook dispatch be completed according to the prescribed schedule and in line with the university’s annual academic calendar. He further instructed the relevant authorities to ensure that every student receives a complete set of textbooks corresponding to the courses in which they are enrolled.

Referring to complaints received during the previous semester regarding incomplete textbook sets, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood directed that such issues should not arise during the current semester. He ordered that complete textbook packages be carefully prepared according to the courses selected by each student and delivered in a timely manner.The Vice Chancellor also directed that available human resources, logistical facilities and administrative capabilities be utilized efficiently in the preparation and dispatch of textbooks so that students do not face any inconvenience.Director Admissions Syed Zia-ul-Hasnain, while briefing the Vice Chancellor, said that in the first phase, textbooks were being dispatched to students enrolled in the Associate Degree in Arts and Associate Degree in Commerce programmes. He said textbooks for students enrolled in other programmes would also be dispatched in phases according to the prescribed schedule.

He said the dispatch of textbooks to all students enrolled in Semester Autumn 2026 would be completed by 15 November 2026.Syed Zia-ul-Hasnain said integrating textbook dispatch with the admissions process would enable students to access study materials for their respective courses from the very beginning of their academic activities. This, he added, would help students plan their studies effectively and facilitate the learning process.The initiative represents more than an improvement in the university’s textbook distribution system; it reflects AIOU’s commitment to valuing students’ time, ensuring academic continuity and delivering student services in a timely and efficient manner.The simultaneous commencement of textbook dispatch and admissions is expected to provide significant convenience to students enrolled in the distance learning system. It also reflects the university’s enhanced administrative efficiency, improved academic services and continued commitment to student-centered policies.