Instructional design in the field of education is a vital issue which needs to be discussed. Instructional design maximizes the value of the instructions for the learners. Instructional design include identifying instructional out-comes, developing instructional contents, delivery of material to learners and establishing how instructional effectiveness will be evaluated. This study aimed to study the current instructional design of education institutions, identify the problems and possibilities of new innovations, to study the gaps between existing practices & opportunities and to suggest the strategies for improvement in instructional design. This study was delimited to Allama Iqbal Open University of Pakistan and population was comprised 75 course writers, 112 course tutors and 516 distance learners. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. The results indicate that course objectives are determined and course contents are developed considering the learners profile in instructional design, learning activities are designed in logical order and innovations are projected. There may be e-learning, e-assessment format and mechanism of collaboration of activities in instructional design. Multimedia i.e. broadcast and non-broadcast support is needed for enhancement of instructional design. Communication and delivery strategies may be promoted for learner interaction. On-job training opportunities and resources are available for all stakeholders of instructional design but more enhancements of resources are needed. Use of modern educational technology, students supports services and evaluation system may be promoted. The findings suggest that blended and innovative learning strategies to be introduced like update print material, e-class rooms, video lectures, micro teaching, social media, on-line libraries, out-door learning projects, open education resources, connected instructional design model, massive on-line open courses, sports events and global learning environment. E-assessment format having subjective and objective items may be enhanced, emerging learning technology and learner's access to be enriched. Learner's comprehension and exploration opportunities may be created, relevancy and balance activities may be encouraged in courses. Learning facilities as suitable venue and infrastructure may be provided for effective learning, future concerns may be considered in instructional design.