Abstract
The Open Distance Learning (ODL) was launched in Pakistan in early 70s. It was first educational institution of its kind across Asia and second in the world after the establishment of UK Open University. It was a system duly formulated according to the explicit needs of majority population for a country like Pakistan. A state mainly dependent on agriculture products needed a technical-cum-vocational educational system to equip its individuals with required skills. The objectives were exerted in the National Assembly and translated in the form of Peoples Open University, later known as AllamaIqnal Open University. This article analyses the backdrop of debate in Parliament before promulgation of University Ordinance in 1974. The objectives of this first ODL institution reflected the specific aspirations of the people of Pakistan. An effort is made to discuss the concept, aims and system of ODL in Pakistan, comprehensively. A short initial history includes to persuade young scholars to focus more on subject.