The Institute for Good Governance is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to facilitating the development of inclusive, participatory policies that improve governance outcomes for the benefit of the people of Pakistan.
We believe that effective governance is the foundation of a nation's well-being. True and lasting policy cannot be dictated from the top down; it must be consultative, collaborative, and responsive—built from the ground up, together.
To achieve this, we provide an independent, non-partisan digital commons. This is a space where every participant—citizens, stakeholders, experts, members of civil society from all backgrounds, and institutions, whether at home or abroad—can contribute their knowledge and innovation. Our platform is designed to shape policies that advance effective governance, improve quality of life, reinforce democratic, legislative, and judicial processes, foster climate-resilient development, and protect our national security and heritage.
At the heart of our mission is the responsible exercise of power and authority. Our work is guided by a steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, integrity, equity, efficacy, and efficiency. We are anchored by the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, a deep respect for human rights, and a dedication to consensus-oriented, inclusive participation. Our overarching objective remains clear: to enhance public welfare and achieve the enduring goals of sustainable development for Pakistan.
Our mission is to advance good governance as a shared responsibility of the state and all sections of society by promoting transparency and accountability, encouraging informed and inclusive citizen participation, supporting evidence-based dialogue, and facilitating the formulation of practical, results-oriented public policies.
Our vision is to help build a culture of good governance by providing a trusted national platform where ideas are rigorously debated, refined through collaboration, and translated into meaningful policy action.
The Institute may also undertake the following activities:
Organise training programmes, workshops, seminars, conferences and related activities to promote understanding of good governance and strengthen institutional capacity.
Provide advisory, technical, legal and administrative support on governance, public policy and institutional reform.
Conduct and promote research on governance, public policy and related issues, and publish reports and studies thereon.
Collaborate with national and international organizations, academic institutions, think tanks and other stakeholders for promoting good governance and the objects of the Institute.
Promote public awareness and informed dialogue on governance, transparency, accountability and public service delivery.
Publish journals, papers, reports and other material relating to governance and public policy.
Promote the use of digital technologies and innovative systems for improving governance and public services.
Encourage ethical principles, integrity and professional standards in governance and institutional practice.
Undertake income-generating activities, collaborations and initiatives for furtherance of the objects of the Institute.
The Institute for Good Governance has been founded by professionals with extensive experience in public administration, policy reform, law, economics, and institutional development.
Zahid Hamid is Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Good Governance. He is an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, with professional specialization in constitutional, commercial and environmental law.
Asma Hamid is an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan with over two decades of experience in litigation, dispute resolution and arbitration. She founded Asma Hamid Associates in 2020,
Shahid Hamid is a distinguished jurist, former civil servant, constitutional office holder, and public policy leader. He is a Barrister-at-Law (Inner Temple) and holds an M.A. from the University of Cambridge.
“Important elements of good governance include transparency, accountability and importantly, participation. Good governance requires the wisdom, experiences, and ideas of people from all walks of life. The Institute for Good Governance is built on the belief that every Pakistani has something valuable to contribute. Through an open and collaborative digital model, which facilitates participation of citizens, professionals, academics, and institutions in structured dialogues, thematic discussions, and policy reviews, we seek not only to diagnose problems but also to co-create practical, evidence-based solutions.”
—Zahid Hamid
The Institute is privileged to be advised by some of Pakistan's most eminent scholars, economists, legal experts, governance practitioners and public policy specialists.
The Advisory Council presently comprises the following distinguished Members:
Dean Emeritus, Boston University
Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University
Professor Dr. Adil Najam is inaugural Dean Emeritus of the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University.
Professor Emeritus, Beaconhouse National University
Economist, former Finance Minister of Pakistan
Professor Dr. Hafiz A. Pasha is Professor Emeritus at the School of Management Sciences, Beaconhouse National University.
Professor Emeritus, IBA Karachi
Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan
Dr Ishrat Husain is one of Pakistan's leading economists and public policy experts, with distinguished experience in international development.
Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan
Former Chairman, Senate of Pakistan
Raza Rabbani is an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and one of the country's most distinguished parliamentarians.
Gender and Social Development Specialist
Former Chairperson, National Commission on Status of Women
Khawar Mumtaz is an independent consultant specializing in gender, social development and public policy.
Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan
Development Economist and Policy Specialist
Shahid Hafiz Kardar has held several senior leadership positions in economic governance, public policy and higher education in Pakistan.
Advocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan
Specialist in constitutional, corporate, tax and media laws
Ikramul Haq is an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan specializing in constitutional, corporate, tax and media laws.
Prime Minister's Focal Person on Polio Eradication
Ombudsperson for the Rights of the Child
Ayesha Raza Farooq is a Pakistani lawyer, policymaker, and institutional leader with over 25 years of experience in public health, child rights.
Former Senior Civil Servant
Government of Pakistan
Ali Kazim is a former senior civil servant with extensive experience in public administration, urban governance and institutional management in Punjab.
Former Station Commander, Lahore Cantt
Governance and Infrastructure Management Specialist
Brigadier Pervez Bashir Nawaz Khan served in the Pakistan Army for over three decades in senior command, administrative and governance roles.