Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, is an autonomous, not-for-profit civil society organization dedicated to promoting policy-oriented research, informed dialogue, and human and technological development for improved governance. Established over four decades ago, in May 1979, IPS has consistently provided a credible platform for rigorous discussion on national and international issues, contributing meaningfully to public discourse and policymaking.
Over its forty-six years of sustained engagement, IPS’ work and impact underscore the importance of pragmatic, independent research in shaping policy debates. The Institute also highlights the evolving role of think tanks in modern democratic polities, emphasizing evidence-based analysis and intellectual integrity.
“It takes vision, hard work, and planning to attain sustainability. We paced our growth in a way that we never had to compromise our autonomy.”
— Chairman, IPS
(Watch the full interview)
Mandate and Approach
IPS achieves its objectives through a wide range of academic and policy-focused activities, including seminars, symposia, conferences, and roundtables on multidimensional themes. These engagements result in research reports, periodicals, books, and policy publications, which inform decision-makers and the broader public.
Interaction, dialogue, thematic research, and capacity-building programs form the core of IPS’ research approach. The Institute formulates viable policy options and strategic initiatives, presenting them to policymakers, analysts, political leaders, legislators, researchers, academia, civil society organizations, media professionals, and other stakeholders.
IPS is guided by the principles of good governance, transparency, professionalism, and program effectiveness, while strictly upholding its independence, credibility, and institutional integrity.
Institutional Sustainability
IPS operates as a self-financed think tank, relying on a combination of endowments, sponsorships, voluntary services, and private donations. In addition to revenues generated through its publications and membership programs, IPS also offers consultancy services, ensuring financial sustainability without compromising intellectual autonomy.
Research Areas
IPS has identified the following as its core research domains:
- Pakistan Affairs, Science & Technology, and Leadership & Governance
- International Relations & Strategic Affairs
- Faith, Society, and Law
Research activities are coordinated through a dedicated team of research coordinators, enabling both in-house research and collaboration with IPS associates working across Pakistan and internationally.
Advisory Governance and Collaboration
IPS’s academic programs are designed and implemented under the supervision of the National Advisory Council (NAC), which plays a pivotal role in shaping the Institute’s intellectual direction. The NAC provides policy guidance, reviews institutional plans, and sets research priorities.
The Institute actively collaborates with national and international organizations through joint research initiatives, co-sponsored seminars, scholar exchanges, and shared academic resources. These collaborations may be time-specific or discipline-based, and IPS maintains active partnerships with a wide range of institutions within Pakistan and abroad.
Through this integrated and collaborative framework, IPS continues to contribute to evidence-based policymaking, intellectual discourse, and institutional capacity building at both national and global levels.