NAC consists of 25-30 members for a term of three years. This steering organ is designed to ensure socio-politico-religious representation while duly reflecting the diversity of Pakistani society. NAC is responsible for overseeing that the Institute is generally playing its role in the light of its vision, for approving the annual research program, and reviewing its implementation. NAC meets at least once a year for reviewing the policies and progress of its current projects.
Welcoming the participants in his opening remarks at the meeting, Prof. Khurshid Ahmed said that the institute would do its best to benefit from the knowledge, scholarship and experience of the members of NAC. He iterated that self reliance was an important point of reference of IPS. The chairman further elaborated the role of Governing Body, Executive Committee and NAC of the institute.
After the review of the performance of the year 2007-08 by DG, Khalid Rahman, Dr. S M Zaman commented on the reconstitution of NAC that there were more Educationists in the new council, which was a good sign. Relating it to the future course of action, Dr. Zaman emphasised upon putting more focus on 'Education with reference to the ideology of Pakistan' in future projects.
Mr. Akram Zaki highlighted the need to develop research projects on Pakistan's relations with India in the context of Security. He also talked about the importance of studying Pak-Iran relations.