The Department of National Archives started working in its individual capacity in December, 1973. Initially   it was a part in the combination of Directorate of Archives and Libraries working since 1952. Its administrative control was shifted to Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 1977. Basically the Department is responsible for the transfer of "A" Category records from various Ministries/Divisions of the Federal Government and their permanent preservation in the National Archives for posterity. The Department has so far received over  13,000 "A" category files from various Ministries/Divisions.

According to the latest instruction the Ministries/Divisions are not allowed to destroy any record by themselves therefore the Department of Archives is also receiving "D" category files   of various Ministries for review and evaluation.

The Department also acquires private papers of historical importance from the individual owners by purchase donation or deposit. As such 23 collections have been preserved including the private papers of Quaid-e-Azam.

A large number of newspapers, magazines periodicals and government publications have also been preserved in the Department. Accession lists of archival holding have also been published for DiC of scholars visiting the Department.

The Department of National Archives is member of the International council on Archives and its Regional Branch called South and West Asian Regional Branch of the International Council of Archives (SWARBICA). Pakistan has remained Vice Chairman and Chairman of Executive Board of SWARBICA. Presently, Pakistan is Secretary General of SWARBICA.