Institute of Policy Studies (Pakistan)

Institute of Policy Studies (Pakistan)
Name	Institute of Policy Studies (Pakistan)
Formation	1978
Founder	Nusrat Bhutto
Headquarters	Islamabad
Leader title	Chairman
Leader name	Shahid Javed Burki
Leader title2	Director General
Leader name2	Aasim Sajjad Akhtar

Institute of Policy Studies (Pakistan) is a Islamabad-based public policy think tank established in 1978 that engages in analysis, dialogue and advocacy on national and regional issues. It conducts research across areas including strategic studies, South Asia relations, Islamic banking, energy policy, and human rights while hosting seminars, roundtables and publications that connect policymakers, diplomats and academics. The institute convenes stakeholders from institutions such as the Pakistan Army, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan), State Bank of Pakistan, and international organizations to inform decision-making.

History

Founded in 1978 under the patronage of Nusrat Bhutto, the institute emerged amid debates following the 1977 Pakistani coup d'état and the tenure of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Early activities included conferences featuring figures from the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund to address challenges after the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan. During the 1980s the institute organized dialogues involving delegates from Afghanistan, Iran, and United States Department of State representatives to discuss the Soviet–Afghan War and regional security. In the 1990s scholars associated with the institute contributed to post-Cold War debates alongside analysts from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Chatham House, and Brookings Institution. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s the institute broadened programming on counterterrorism and nuclear proliferation engaging experts connected to International Atomic Energy Agency, NATO, and the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Mission and Objectives

The institute's stated mission emphasizes policy-relevant research to inform officials in bodies such as the Parliament of Pakistan, Supreme Court of Pakistan, and provincial assemblies like the Punjab Assembly. Objectives include producing analyses for ministries including the Ministry of Finance (Pakistan), Ministry of Defence (Pakistan), and Ministry of Energy (Pakistan); advising agencies like the Election Commission of Pakistan and the National Accountability Bureau; and contributing to international dialogues involving the United Nations Development Programme, Asian Development Bank, and regional forums like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. It aims to foster linkages with universities such as Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, and Lahore University of Management Sciences.

Organizational Structure

Governance is through a board that has included prominent figures from the Civil Service of Pakistan, retired generals of the Pakistan Armed Forces, and former diplomats posted to missions like the High Commission of Pakistan, London. Leadership roles have historically been occupied by former treasury officials and economists affiliated with institutions such as the State Bank of Pakistan and International Monetary Fund. The institute comprises research divisions modeled after centers at Harvard Kennedy School, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and Stanford University—including programs on Strategic Studies, Economic Policy, and Social Policy—and maintains a secretariat for event management and publications.

Research Programs and Publications

Research programs cover topics linked to the Kashmir conflict, Indus Water Treaty, China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, Afghanistan conflict, and Countering Violent Extremism. The institute publishes policy briefs, monographs and a quarterly journal that feature contributors formerly associated with Oxford University, Columbia University, University of Cambridge, and regional institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia. It issues analyses on fiscal matters in dialogue with actors from the International Finance Corporation and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and produces reports on trade relating to World Trade Organization frameworks. Event outputs often include statements signed by academics linked to King's College London, University of Toronto, and think tanks such as RAND Corporation.

Policy Impact and Advocacy

The institute has informed legislative debates in the National Assembly of Pakistan and advised task forces convened by prime ministers and chief ministers, leading to briefings for cabinets and committees including the Public Accounts Committee (Pakistan). Its advocacy has intersected with initiatives of the Ministry of Climate Change (Pakistan), energy regulators such as the Alternative Energy Development Board, and reforms referenced by the Senate of Pakistan. Analysts from the institute have testified in parliamentary hearings and participated in negotiation support for trade delegations to partners including China, Saudi Arabia, and European Union missions.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Collaborative links span academic partners like University of Oxford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and SOAS University of London; regional institutions including Institute of South Asian Studies and Observer Research Foundation; and policy networks such as Asia Society and Council on Foreign Relations. It has run joint programs with multilateral agencies including United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Health Organization, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The institute convenes diplomats from missions such as the Embassy of the United States, Islamabad and Embassy of China, Islamabad alongside delegations from European External Action Service.

Funding and Governance

Funding sources include endowments, project grants from international donors such as the United Kingdom Department for International Development, contracts with agencies like the Asian Development Bank, and commissions from provincial administrations including the Sindh Government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government. Governance involves an independent board and advisory councils featuring former foreign secretaries, central bank governors, and judiciary members connected to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Financial oversight aligns with practices observed at institutions like International Republican Institute and German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

Category:Think tanks based in Pakistan