The directorate of Archives and Libraries was established in 1951, as sub-ordinate office of the Ministry of Education. The department was bifurcated on 8th December 1973, which gave birth to two separate departments, namely, National Archives of Pakistan and National Library. In 1977, the subject of archives was allotted to newly created Culture Division. Later, on 9th January 1997 the National Archives of Pakistan was attached to the Cabinet Division.

The National Archives Building comprising 1, 50,000 sq. ft, covered area is located in administrative block area of Islamabad .The building was constructed in two phases.In 1st phase the administrative block was completed in 1988. In 2nd phase storage area was completed & occupied in 1995.