Drawing inspiration from the fundamental values and teaching of Islam as articulated by the writings of poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the Iqbal International Research Institute (IRD) seeks to actively build a culture of peace, tolerance, and harmony in Pakistan.

IRD is the organises regular events, seminars, and conferences on policy, social, and economic issues of Pakistan. It has hosted many events focusing on tolerance in Islam; madrasas in Pakistan, and other issues related to peace and conflict in the country. IRD is renowned for promoting good understanding of the philosophies of Iqbal, especially with reference to peace in Pakistan and beyond.

IRD has collaborated with both local and international organisations for promoting dialogue of peace-related philosophies of prominent personalities from Pakistan. In 2013 IRD collaborated with the MUSLIM Institute to organise a seminar on “Intellectual dimensions of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo and Global Peace”. The organisation saw this as an important event because there has been very less attention paid to the important work of Sultan Bahoo of Pakistan. Under present circumstances, IRD believed it was timely to look back into the work of Sufis for necessary reforms in the country.

A key aspect of IRD has been its outreach. It has often been able often gather an informed audience comprising of policymakers, researchers, diplomats, and journalists for its various dialogue activities.