The university is focusing its efforts on need base research of arid agriculture in general and Potohar region in particular. The major areas of research focus are

• Biotechnology
• New Technologies to Overcome Water Shortage
• Production of Biofeuls
• Formulation of New Food Products
• Promotion of High Yielding & Drought Resistance Wheat and Canola Cultivars
• Recycling of Organic Wastes of Sustainable Crop Productivity
• Production of Pathogen Free Horticultural Plant Nurseries
• Soil and Water Contamination Studies

The university scientists are also undertaking research projects funding by various agencies such as ALP (NARC), PSF, HEC, UNESCO and even from own research funds. The directorate is also sharing the following responsibilities:

1. Preparation of PC-1 for Research & Development Projects.
• Keep liaison between University and Funding Agencies (PSF, HEC, PARC)
• Acting as Focal Office for HEC Programmes such as Expatriate Faculty
2. Ph. D Indigenous Scholarships
• Supervision of Research Projects Funded from Own Resources
• Secretariat for Development of Endowment Fund.