34 research teams presented completed projects under diverse thematic areas

ISLAMABAD, MAY 17 /DNA/ – The three-day 6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026, organised by the RASTA–PIDE Competitive Research Grants Programme from May 15–17, 2026, successfully concluded today after intensive academic dialogue, policy engagement, and evidence-based deliberations on Pakistan’s development challenges and reform priorities.

Held virtually for the first time in the PIDE’s history, the landmark event brought together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, development professionals, students, and members of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) from across Pakistan and abroad. The Conference reaffirmed RASTA’s growing role as one of Pakistan’s largest and most vibrant policy research networks committed to strengthening the research-policy nexus and promoting evidence-informed governance.

The Conference was inaugurated by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, who underscored the importance of research, innovation, and knowledge-led policymaking in achieving Pakistan’s long-term development goals and economic transformation agenda.

Over the course of three days, the Conference featured six thematic sessions and four major showcase studies. Around 34 research teams presented completed projects under diverse thematic areas, including policy and programme evaluations; human capital and social outcomes; climate risks and economic resilience; governance and political economy; urban governance and social protection; and investment, commerce and economic reform.

The discussions provided a dynamic platform for academics, policymakers, practitioners, and experts to deliberate upon practical, evidence-based, and implementable policy solutions aligned with Pakistan’s socio-economic priorities. The Conference also highlighted major RASTA-supported studies focusing on education policy reforms, domestic commerce, poverty reduction strategies, and the Citypedia initiative, which aims to develop comprehensive urban profiles and city-level evidence systems for Pakistan.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Faheem Jehangir, Dean of Policy Advocacy at PIDE and Project Director of RASTA, highlighted that RASTA has evolved beyond a conventional research grants programme into a national policy knowledge ecosystem that connects researchers, universities, think tanks, practitioners, and government institutions. He emphasised the need to deepen collaboration between academia, policymakers, industry, and development stakeholders to ensure that research findings translate into measurable policy outcomes and sustainable national development.

Concluding the Conference, Vice Chancellor of PIDE, Nadeem Javaid, appreciated the RAC and the RASTA team and reiterated PIDE’s commitment to strengthening evidence-based policy dialogue in Pakistan and to continuing to provide a vibrant platform for research dissemination, intellectual exchange, and actionable policy recommendations that can inform national development planning and governance reforms.

The successful conclusion of the 6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026 reflects the growing momentum for research-driven policymaking in Pakistan and reinforces the importance of collaborative knowledge platforms in shaping the country’s future development trajectory.