Founded in 1957 by the Government of Pakistan, it is located in the university area of Quaid-e-Azam University but it has its own board of overseers.[3] In 1964, it gained its influence on government and gained autonomous status the same year. Since its establishment, the PIDE is an influential voice in the formation of Pakistan's public policy concerning diverse issues.[4] The institute has a long been a place of scholarship of high-profile and prominent individuals who previously held positions in government, including Benazir Bhutto, Mahbub-ul-Haq, Robert Mundell,and Shahid Allam— all PIDE fellows.[4]