The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) was founded in May 1979 in Islamabad by economist and political thinker Prof. Khurshid Ahmad as Pakistan’s first independent, non-government policy research institution. At a time when there were few think tanks in the Muslim world, IPS was established to critically analyze public policies and to offer evidence-based alternatives for national development and governance.

Over the next four decades, IPS developed into a prominent autonomous, not-for-profit civil society organization dedicated to promoting policy-oriented research, informed public dialogue, and capacity building. Its activities expanded to include seminars, symposia, roundtable discussions, research publications, and consultancy services on key national and international issues.

From its founding chairman Prof. Khurshid Ahmad, IPS’s leadership later transitioned to Khalid Rahman, reflecting its evolving governance while maintaining continuity in vision and mission. The Institute’s National Academic Council, consisting of diplomats, academics, and sector experts, oversees its research agenda and academic programs.

Today, IPS continues to influence policy discourse in Pakistan and beyond by focusing on areas such as Pakistan affairs, international relations, faith and society, leadership and governance, and science and technology. It provides policymakers, scholars, and citizens with rigorous research, recommendations, and a forum for informed debate, highlighting the importance of independent think tanks in democratic governance.