The genesis of the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) can be praised to the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations (now renamed as Chicago Council on Global Affairs) which was addressed by former President of Pakistan, General (R) Pervaiz Musharaf (Late), in year 2003. Chicago Council inspired Mr. Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi, the founder Secretary General and CEO to form Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations on the same lines. The idea of PCFR was welcomed and appreciated by many former ambassadors, businessmen, intellectuals, academics, and elites of the country. The formation of PCFR was recognized as the need of the time for not only projecting the soft image of Pakistan but also for foreign missions based in Pakistan to interact with relevant quarters easily. After long deliberations, founding members resolved to form PCFR, which is now officially a registered institution.

Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR), based in Karachi, is autonomous and non-profit think tank devoted to promote policy-oriented research and dialogue on issues related to international relations, economy, foreign policy, global politics, security, culture, and law. PCFR offers a forum for informed discussion on matters of national and international significance particularly those effecting Pakistan. PCFR also strives to reflect national perspective on key national, regional, and international issues through research and interactive dialogue. PCFR provides policy recommendations of seminars and conferences to the relevant stakeholders for informed policy and decision-making.