RASTA -Competitive Research Grants

Day 3 of the 6th RASTA-PIDE Conference features discussions on Governance, Political Economy, Domestic Commerce, Poverty, and Citypedia.

As the Conference enters its final day, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners continue the dialogue on Pakistan’s governance landscape, institutional reform, and sustainable development priorities.

𝑺𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑽: Governance, Institutions & Political Economy
(1500 – 1700 Hrs)

Topics include:
• Economic ideas & Pakistan’s political history
• Coalition governments & governance challenges
• Institutional instability & regional dynamics
• Bureaucratic turnover & governance effectiveness
• Judicial independence & legal-economic reform

Discussant: 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚 𝐔𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐡
(Vice-Chancellor, Karakoram International University, Gilgit)

PIDE Showcase – II: Domestic Commerce
(1700 – 1720 Hrs)
Presented by 𝐎𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞

PIDE Showcase – III: Poverty
(1720 – 1740 Hrs)
Presented by 𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐫 𝐈𝐪𝐛𝐚𝐥

PIDE Showcase – IV: Citypedia
(1740 – 1800 Hrs)
Presented by 𝐅𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐦 𝐉𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐫 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧

𝑺𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑽𝑰: Urban Governance, Social Protection & Investment
(1900 – 2100 Hrs)

Topics include:

• Urban governance challenges
• Karachi’s bus transport system
• Social protection & labor precarity
• Pakistan’s natural gas policy framework
• Investment flows & capital measurement

Discussant: 𝐙𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛 𝐉𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐧

We look forward to another day of impactful discussions and evidence-based policy recommendations for Pakistan’s future.

Details: https://rasta.pide.org.pk/6th-rasta-pide-conference/

Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/4wqQbhQ
Meeting ID: 825 1833 1615
Passcode: 988095

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀-𝐏𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐯𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.

Following an engaging first day, Day 2 brings together researchers and practitioners to explore some of Pakistan’s most pressing development and sustainability challenges.

𝑺𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑰𝑰𝑰: 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉, 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑨𝒅𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 & 𝑽𝒖𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 (1500 - 1700 𝑯𝒓𝒔)

This session features discussions on:
• Climate change impacts on maternal and newborn health
• Sports infrastructure and youth development
• Inclusivity through gig platforms for persons with disabilities
• Youth challenges and opportunities in manpower exports
• Tax compliance and behavioral economics

The session will include insights from 𝑵𝒐𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑴𝒖𝒋𝒂𝒉𝒊𝒅 (Director, AERC, University of Karachi).

𝑹𝑨𝑺𝑻𝑨 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒆 – 𝑰: 𝑬𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (1700 - 1800 𝑯𝒓𝒔)

A focused showcase session on education policy and practice in Pakistan featuring:
• Ahsan Ul Haq
• Nadeem Ahmed Khan
• Ahmad Faraz

The discussion highlights evolving perspectives on education reform, policy implementation, and institutional development in Pakistan.

𝑺𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑰𝑽: 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒌𝒔 & 𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 (1900 - 2100 𝑯𝒓𝒔)

The final session of the day will examine:
• Smog mitigation and governance challenges in Punjab
• Climate resilience in solid waste management
• CBAM policy adaptation and compliance in Punjab’s textile sector
• Sustainable agricultural residue management
• Climate-sensitive health interventions for urban heat and air pollution

With 𝑵𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒓 𝑱𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒅 (Former CEO, The Urban Unit Punjab) as discussant.

We look forward to another day of meaningful engagement, collaborative learning, and evidence-driven policy conversations.

𝑫𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒔: https://rasta.pide.org.pk/6th-rasta-pide-conference/
𝒁𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒌:
https://bit.ly/4wqQbhQ

Meeting ID: 825 1833 1615
Passcode: 988095

Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Pakistan Institute of Development Economics-PIDE

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 - 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀-𝐏𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The 6th - Conference officially begins today (virtually) with the Inaugural Session, bringing together leading researchers, policymakers, academics, and development practitioners for meaningful dialogue on Pakistan’s development priorities.

Inaugural Session (1500-1600 Hrs)

Welcome Remarks_ by Nadeem Javaid (SI), Vice Chancellor, PIDE / RAC Chairman, RASTA

RASTA Progress Report _ by Faheem Jehangir Khan, Dean, Policy Advocacy, PIDE / Project Director, RASTA

Secretary’s Remarks_ by Awais Manzoor Sumra, Secretary, Ministry of PD&SI

Chief Guest Address_ by Prof. Ahsan Iqbal (NI), Hon’ble Federal Minister / Deputy Chairman Planning Commission / Chancellor, PIDE

Following the inaugural proceedings, the conference continues with:

𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈: 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 & 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬(𝟏𝟔𝟎𝟎 - 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎 𝐇𝐫𝐬)

Featuring discussions on IT skills development, healthcare partnerships, climate governance, higher education research, and supply chain challenges, with Mr. Zafar ul Hasan (Former Joint Chief Economist, Mo/PD&SI) as the discussant.

𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐈: 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 & 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬(𝟏𝟗𝟎𝟎 - 𝟐𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐇𝐫𝐬)

Covering inclusive education, civic engagement, neurodiversity, employability, and curriculum development, with Ms. Hafeeza A. Jamali (DG Balochistan Civil Services Academy, Quetta) serving as the discussant.

We look forward to insightful discussions, collaborative learning, and evidence-based policy dialogue throughout the conference.

Details: https://rasta.pide.org.pk/6th-rasta-pide-conference/

Zoom Link:

https://bit.ly/4wqQbhQ
Meeting ID: 825 1833 1615
Passcode: 988095

Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Pakistan Institute of Development Economics-PIDE

6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026

Session VI: Urban Governance, Social Protection & Investment

The sixth session of the 6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026 will focus on urban governance challenges, social protection systems, public service delivery, and investment-related policy reforms in Pakistan.

Researchers and practitioners will present studies addressing urban management, transport systems, marginalized communities, energy policy, and investment measurement frameworks.

Discussant: Zainab Jahan
(Associate Professor, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi)

📅 Sunday, 17 May 2026
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
💻 Mode: Virtual Conference

This session highlights policy pathways for inclusive urban development, stronger social protection mechanisms, and sustainable investment planning in Pakistan.

🌐 Details: rasta.pide.org.pk

https://rasta.pide.org.pk/6th-rasta-pide-conference/

Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Pakistan Institute of Development Economics-PIDE

6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026

Session V: Governance, Institutions & Political Economy

The fifth session of the 6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026 will examine the evolving dynamics of governance, political institutions, judicial independence, and public administration in Pakistan.

This session brings together evidence-based research focused on political history, coalition governance, bureaucratic structures, and institutional reform.

Discussant:Atta Ullah Shah
(Vice Chancellor, Karakoram International University, Gilgit)

📅 Sunday, 17 May 2026
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
💻 Mode: Virtual Conference

The session emphasizes the importance of institutional strength, governance reform, and political stability in advancing sustainable development and effective policymaking in Pakistan.

🌐 Details: rasta.pide.org.pk

https://rasta.pide.org.pk/6th-rasta-pide-conference/

Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Pakistan Institute of Development Economics-PIDE

6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026

Session IV: Climate Risks & Economic Resilience

The fourth session of the 6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026 will examine climate-related economic risks and policy solutions for environmental sustainability, urban resilience, and industrial adaptation in Pakistan.

The session will feature research presentations addressing smog mitigation, waste management, climate policy compliance, sustainable agriculture, and urban heat interventions.

Discussant: Nasir Javed
(Former CEO, The Urban Unit Punjab)

📅 Saturday, 16 May 2026
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
💻 Mode: Virtual Conference

The session emphasizes evidence-based climate governance and economic resilience strategies to support sustainable development and environmental protection in Pakistan.

🌐 Details:
https://rasta.pide.org.pk/6th-rasta-pide-conference/

Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Pakistan Institute of Development Economics-PIDE Ahsan Iqbal

6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026

DAY 2 - Session III: Health, Climate Adaptation & Vulnerability

The third session of the 6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026 will focus on the intersection of climate change, public health, youth development, inclusivity, and socio-economic vulnerability in Pakistan.

Researchers and practitioners will present evidence-based studies exploring emerging challenges and innovative policy responses aimed at building resilient and inclusive communities.

Discussant: Noreen Mujahid
(Director, AERC, University of Karachi)

📅 Saturday, 16 May 2026
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
💻 Mode: Virtual Conference

This session highlights the importance of adaptive policies and inclusive development strategies in addressing Pakistan’s evolving social and climate-related challenges.

🌐 Details:

https://rasta.pide.org.pk/6th-rasta-pide-conference/

Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Pakistan Institute of Development Economics-PIDE

6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026

Session II: Human Capital & Social Outcomes

The second session of the 6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026 will explore key issues related to education, employability, civic engagement, inclusivity, and social development in Pakistan.

Researchers from leading institutions will present evidence-based studies addressing the evolving challenges of human capital development and social outcomes in the country.

Discussant: Hafeez A. Jamali
(DG Balochistan Civil Services Academy, Quetta)

📅 Date: 15–17 May 2026
💻 Mode: Virtual Conference

This session underscores the role of inclusive education, skills development, and social awareness in building a resilient and empowered society.

🌐 Details:

https://rasta.pide.org.pk/6th-rasta-pide-conference/

Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Pakistan Institute of Development Economics-PIDE