According to the directory, Pakistan has a number of think tanks whose strength is growing and scope of research widening. By virtue of its 18 think tanks, Pakistan is ranked 38 in the world, 18 in South Asia with a share of 3.4 percent in the Asian total of 524.
It further stated that Pakistan has been ranked third after India and Bangladesh among 214 think tanks in South Asia with 8.4 percent share in the region. In scope and strength, it pointed out that Pakistan comes after India, Japan and China, which shows that Pakistani think tanks are performing well within their limited financial means and resources and level of liberty but need to build credibility carrying out and publishing quality research.
However, it also pointed out that within the Islamic bloc, Pakistan is far behind of Nigeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Turkey, and Indonesia in terms of hosting think tanks and promoting researches in social sciences. It stated that lack of independent and scholarly researches in various disciplines of social sciences creates massive state and society problems, which have serious regional and global repercussions.
In order to systematise the information and ranking of the think tanks in Pakistan, the author suggested that it is necessary to formulate a scientific criterion, sample, and survey method and develop a detailed questionnaire on the required parameters for analysis of data collected. He further suggested that think tanks should develop an agreed scientific format for judging the quality of work and ranking organisations accordingly.
According to Malik, the publication of the directory could be a step forward in that direction. He said that the gradual growth of think tanks in Pakistan is an indicative of the people's desire for building up an open and free society and joining the mainstream of intellectual life in the world. The struggle is, however, long way off, he said, adding without removing the impediments, a much healthy environment for researches in social sciences might not be possible and the gulf might increase in the years ahead in case remedial measures were not taken. Thus creating more challenges for the State and society, he said. He also suggested to promote a free and fair existence of think tanks in the country to meet a variety of challenges.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Waheed-ul-Hasan, Special Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmad Rashid Malik, Senior Research Fellow, ISSI, Dr Mohammad Khan, Head of Department of International Relations, National Defence University, Islamabad, Ghulam Mujaddid, Dean, Social Sciences, Air University, Islamabad, and Farhat Asif, President, IPDS.
Ambassador Masood Khan, Director General ISSI, in his welcome remarks said that the book was a unique contribution because no such directory of thinks tanks exists in Pakistan to date. He noted that the diplomatic community and think tanks were already using and benefiting from the directory which was a testament to the importance of the book.
The speakers lauded Dr Malik's efforts to fill a vacuum in the database of research organisations in Pakistan. They underscored the role of research and research organisations in the country and the need to expand research efforts further. They especially stressed on the need to widen the focus of research from international relations and strategic studies to human development and civil society issues, and focus on neglected regions including Latin America, Africa, and Oceania. They were unanimous in their views that the directory would need to be updated on a constant basis.