PILDAT is an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit indigenous think tank focussed on political and public policy research and legislative strengthening. As an indigenous institution, Its mission is to strengthen democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan.

PILDAT is a premier research organization of Pakistan focusing on democracy, governance and public policy. Founded in 2001, the organisation focuses on producing objective, research-based analysis on policies especially under review by the Parliament and the Executive.

PILDAT conducts research on issues including finance, economy, poverty-reduction, regional/international trade, foreign/regional relations, political-economy, inter-provincial relations/federalism, women/youth in politics, etc. PILDAT prepares legislative Briefs on key legislations in consideration before the Parliament.

PILDAT has held over 200 capacity-building and issue-based briefings for Parliament and Provincial Assemblies since 2002. It has also prepared over 300 briefing/background papers, case studies and other publications on public policy and legislative issues. PILDAT assists key Standing Committees in the National Assembly of Pakistan in the discharge of their responsibilities of oversight and scrutiny of the Executive through capacity building and background research. PILDAT also provides forums for comparative political and parliamentary learning through regional and international conferences and organizing study visits to other Parliaments.  

PILDAT carries out periodic performance review of Parliament and Provincial Assemblies. We facilitate formation of policy groups for research and dialogue on issues including Civil-Military Relations, Electoral Reforms, Relations between Muslims and Western World, FATA Status, Centre-Province Relations, etc. PILDAT also launched the first-ever Youth Parliament Pakistan to inculcate culture and values of democracy in youth and to prepare them for future leadership roles.

PILDAT has hosted many national and international conferences, workshops and forums involving national, regional and international leaders, subject specialists and policy experts.

In its independent capacity, PILDAT works closely with the Parliament and through its non-partisan approach, with major political parties as well as the Executive and the Media.

PILDAT is a registered non-profit entity under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, Pakistan. Its formal registration process was completed on September 19, 2002.