The Pakistan Institute of International Affairs was established in 1947 as a non-official, non-party and non-profit making body dedicated to study and research in international relations, economics and jurisprudence. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860. Its precursor, The Indian Institute of International Affairs was established in Delhi in 1936 and moved to Karachi when Pakistan was created, by a majority vote of its members. Thus it is the oldest society of academic excellence in South Asia.

The Institute is the pioneer of public diplomacy in Pakistan. Since its inception, through lectures, symposia and seminars, it has provided a platform for informed debate on international developments and foreign policy issues. Presidents and prime ministers have made formal statements on foreign policy from the floor of the Institute and its members have been addressed by eminent statesmen, jurists, diplomats, and scholars from all over the world.

The output of the Institute is reflected in its publications, particularly in its quarterly journal, Pakistan Horizon, which has been published without a break since 1948. Its unique library holdings have been consulted by scholars, diplomats and members of the public from all walks of life. The library subscribes to 105 academic journals and newspapers and has an archive of rare books, newspaper clippings and other reading material.

The Institute is governed by a Council whose members are elected in the Annual General Meeting. The members of the Council elect the Chairman on an yearly basis.