The Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) serves multiple organizational functions to fulfil its mission of improving the education sector in Pakistan. One of its key roles is to act as a data hub and national think tank, facilitating collaboration and creating synergies among its various components.

PIE plays a role in establishing a link between evidence and practice by ensuring access to research and enhancing institutional capacity to utilize research findings for informing policies and practices in the education sector. It serves as a national data repository and assessment body, responsible for collecting and collating data on key educational indicators as required by Pakistan's international commitments for the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4). This includes promoting uniform data reporting from all provinces using a standardized set of indicators.

Data analysis is a significant function of PIE, as it generates evidence that can inform future reforms and improvements in the education system. The initiative conducts in-house research on various thematic areas within the education ecosystem and publishes reports on critical topics, contributing to the national discourse and dialogue on education. It also develops and amplifies annual research publications, including school census reports and national surveys, providing stakeholders with a holistic view of the education landscape.

In addition to its research and data-related functions, PIE is actively engaged in business development activities with the aim of achieving financial independence. This involves exploring public-private partnerships, procuring research contracts from the development and private sectors, and undertaking training contracts.

Through its diverse organizational functions, PIE strives to support evidence-informed policies, enhance educational practices, and drive positive change in the education sector in Pakistan.