The Institute of Policy Studies Islamabad (IPS) is one of the leading think tanks founded and headed by activist Khurshid Ahmad since 1979. IPS is an autonomous, not for profit, civil society organization, dedicated to promoting policy-oriented research. IPS provides a forum for informed discussion and dialogue on national and international issues. The contributions spanning over about thirty years and the overall impact signifies the importance of pragmatic research on policy issues.
Contents
Historically, the institute has maintained ties with various different organizations to maintain a multi-dimensional approach and bring positive change in Pakistan through contemporary methods. The Institute was established during the regime of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, IPS now works closely with leading universities of Islamabad and the country including, National University of Science and Technology, International Islamic University, and others. Research matters are overseen by the IPS National Academic Council composed of diplomats, academics, educationists, military and industry experts. Some of the salient names on this list are Akram Zaki, Dr. Adnan Sarwar, Khalid Iqbal, Amanullah Khan and Prof. Dr. Sarah Safdar.
Activities
The IPS achieves its objectives through a wide range of activities and outcomes ranging from seminars, symposia, conferences and roundtables on multi-dimensional topics to reports, periodicals and publications, Interaction, dialogue, thematic research and capacity-building programs are instrumental in its research endeavors. IPS formulates viable plans and presents key initiatives and policy measures to policy makers, analysts, political leaders, legislators, researchers, academia, civil society organization, media and other stakeholders. IPS believes in good governance, transparency (behavior), professionalism, and program effectiveness. IPS strictly upholds its independence, credibility and Integrity. It operates as a self-financed think-tank through endowments, sponsorships, voluntary services and private donations. Aside from its periodicals, publications and membership fees it generates revenues by providing consultancy services.
IPS has defined Pakistan Affairs, International Relations and Religion and Faith as its major areas of research and has developed an effective system of coordination of research activities by local and foreign scholars through a dedicated team of research coordinators. Through this scheme of work IPS is not only able to conduct in-house research on areas of interest but also coordinates research activities by IPS associates working at their respective places. Its academic programs are designed and run under the supervision of National Academic Council (NAC), which plays a pivotal role in functioning of IPS by providing policy guidelines, reviewing its plans and setting its priorities. IPS garners collaboration as well as extends its active cooperation to other organizations in one or more areas of research. Such coordination could be time- specific or discipline-based for conducting joint research, cosponsoring of seminars and exchange of library and other facilities. IPS currently reciprocates with a number of national and international institutions and is engaged in scholars’ exchange arrangements with various research institutions within Pakistan and abroad.
Publications
Journals
Books
Some of the recent publications
Upcoming publications
Team
Chairman
Director General
Research Team
Administration