About Us

Dr. Farhat Asif, Founder and President of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), is a distinguished professional with over 15 years of expertise in international relations, foreign policy, and diplomacy. Under her leadership, IPDS has emerged as a premier think-and-do tank dedicated to advancing peace, security, and sustainable development through innovative research, comprehensive training programs, and proactive advocacy. Dr. Asif has spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives, including the establishment of specialized research centers such as the Centre for SCO Studies, Centre for BRI and China Studies, Centre for Eurasia and Central Asia Studies, Centre for Americas, Centre for African Studies, and Centre for Women Peace and Leadership. She also inaugurated the Emerging Young Women Leaders Congress, with Nobel Laureate Tawakkol Karman as a keynote speaker. Committed to promoting Pakistan's peaceful image, Dr. Asif oversees The Diplomatic Insight (TDI), a publication focused on "Peace Through Informed Dialogue," and manages the Journal of Peace and Diplomacy (JPD), an annual journal on security and foreign policy. Dr. Asif's leadership has facilitated significant cooperation agreements with regional research organizations and universities. She recently launched Global Women Insight, a digital platform highlighting the contributions of women worldwide through live interviews with prominent leaders. Her accolades include the N-Peace Award from UNDP Asia Pacific, the Fellowship of the Global Change Leaders Program from the Coady International Institute, and the "Public Diplomat" Award from the Republic of Uzbekistan. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Diplomacy from Quaid-I-Azam University and is a Leadership Fellow at the International Women’s Forum. She has completed the Advanced Leadership Fellowship Program offered by the International Women’s Forum from INSEAD France and Harvard Business School. Dr. Farhat Asif continues to drive IPDS's mission with her visionary approach, significantly contributing to global peace and diplomacy.

Muhammad Asif Noor is the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS) Executive Director and CEO of the Diplomatic Insight Group of Companies. With over two decades of experience in business, media, and academia, he has established influential connections at the highest government and civil society levels in Pakistan, Central Asia, the Caucasus Region, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. As the visionary leader of IPDS, Asif Noor is known for his innovative thinking and outstanding leadership. He provides expert analysis, research, and outreach services that empower governments, media outlets, research institutions, and trade organizations to make well-informed decisions. His efforts have significantly strengthened ties between Pakistan and the Central Asian Republics, earning him recognition from regional governments and institutions. Under his leadership, IPDS and the Diplomatic Insight Group have grown to include five prestigious entities: Belt and Road Consultants Pvt Ltd, Nirvana Merchants Pvt Ltd, Global Business Alliance, The Diplomatic Insight magazine, and Global News Pakistan. Asif Noor has been honored with numerous accolades, including the CPEC Communications Award from the Embassy of China to Pakistan and China Economic Net, the Public Diplomat Award from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, and the Hurricane Lamp Top Award for Policy Coordination from NEXT Federation New Zealand. An acclaimed author and publisher, Asif Noor regularly contributes his expertise on foreign policy and security issues to various Ministries of Foreign Affairs, embassies, and media outlets, both national and international.