Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE)

PIDE 2025: Year in Review Ideas. Evidence. Impact @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @AwaisSumraPak, @PlanComPakistan #PIDE #Economy #Economics

𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻–𝗨𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁 The Strait of Hormuz is no longer a distant geopolitical concern for Pakistan. As global tensions escalate following the Iran–US conflict, disruptions in energy supply routes are beginning to expose Pakistan’s economic vulnerabilities. PIDE’s latest Knowledge Brief by 𝐃𝐫. 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@karimeconomist) and 𝐃𝐫. 𝐅𝐢𝐝𝐚 𝐌𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@defenseecon) highlights how Pakistan’s heavy dependence on oil and LNG imports through the Strait of Hormuz places the country at risk of rising energy prices, inflation, logistical disruptions, and balance of payment pressures. The brief argues that the conflict is no longer just a foreign policy issue — it is increasingly becoming a trade, energy, labour, and economic challenge for Pakistan. Read More: pide.org.pk/research/pakis… @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @ForeignOfficePk, @MoWP15, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PIDE #KnowledgeBrief #PakistanEconomy #IranUSConflict #StraitOfHormuz #Trade #Geopolitics #EconomicPolicy #PolicyResearch

#PIDE hosted a 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 on PIDE's Report “𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬” following the Prime Minister’s directive to examine regulatory governance in Pakistan. The roundtable brought together representatives from regulatory authorities, federal ministries, the private sector, and academia to discuss overlapping mandates, regulatory independence, and reforms needed to improve governance and ease of doing business. Presenting the study findings, experts from PIDE highlighted how ministerial influence through funding, appointments, and policy directives continues to limit regulatory autonomy across key sectors. The discussion emphasized the need for transparent, accountable, and facilitative regulatory structures that reduce the cost of doing business and strengthen institutional effectiveness. The consolidated recommendations from the consultation will be submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives. @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @saddameconomist, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PIDE #Governance #RegulatoryReform #PublicPolicy #EaseOfDoingBusiness

𝐏𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 '𝐗 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲' 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐄𝐂 𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝 🎉 Marking another milestone of excellence, PIDE has demonstrated a remarkable improvement of 15.5 points over the previous year. Among 95 evaluated universities across Pakistan, @PIDEpk proudly secured the 15th position nationally, outperforming many leading institutions. Vice Chancellor, Dr Nadeem Javaid (SI) (@nadeemjavaid75), applauded the commitment and hard work of the ORIC Team and the entire PIDE family, encouraging continued efforts towards advancing research, innovation, and institutional excellence. This achievement reflects PIDE’s growing impact, dedication to quality research, and vision for shaping ideas into meaningful change. @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @Mjehangirkhan10, @drniqbal, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PIDE #ORIC #HEC #ResearchExcellence #Innovation #HigherEducation #Pakistan

🎓 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔! Apply to PIDE and Start Your Impact Journey. Whether your passion lies in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Econometrics, Public Health, or Project Management. PIDE offers a dynamic learning environment with scholarships, networking opportunities, and strong career outcomes. 📚 Admissions Open for PhD, MPhil & MS Programs 💼 95% Employability within 6 Months 🎓 Merit & Need-Based Scholarships 🤝 Networking Opportunities with Policymakers 💻 Work Study Program 📅 Last Date to Apply: August 10, 2026 🌐 For details log in to: pide.org.pk @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @karimeconomist, @Kalhorozulfiqar, @ZulfiqarFahd, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PIDE #PIDEAdmissions #Fall2026 #TurnIdeasIntoImpact #HigherEducation #PublicPolicy #DevelopmentStudies #Economics #Research #PakistanEducation #WorkStudyProgram

#PIDE conducted the second seminar in its 𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 series, bringing together researchers, students, and policy stakeholders to discuss the economic implications of the evolving Middle East conflict for Pakistan. Titled “𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬: 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞,” the seminar featured insightful presentations by PIDE experts: 🔹 Dr. Nadia Hassan (@Nadiia_Hassan) discussed the strategic importance of reimagining Pakistan’s ports amid shifting global trade routes 🔹 Dr. Ahmad Fraz (@aahmadfraz) examined the performance and vulnerabilities of the Pakistan Stock Exchange during the US–Iran–Israel conflict 🔹 Dr. Shujaat Farooq Sohal (@ShujaatSohal) explored the implications of Middle East instability for migrant workers and overseas employment Moderated By: Dr. Madiha Riaz (@DrMadeehaRiaz), Professor of Economics, #PIDE The seminar provided a comprehensive analysis of emerging geopolitical developments and their implications for Pakistan’s trade, financial markets, and labour economy, reinforcing PIDE’s role in producing timely, policy-relevant research and informed public dialogue. Watch Full Seminar: lnkd.in/dKJa7yFN @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #WarEconomics #PIDE #PakistanEconomy #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #Trade #PSX #Migration #PolicyResearch #EconomicPolicy

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸: 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗳𝗳𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀 Pakistan’s labour market is facing growing pressure from rising fuel prices, freight disruptions, energy shocks, and declining demand across key sectors including textiles, construction, transport, retail, and agriculture. With millions employed in vulnerable informal jobs, the risk of widespread layoffs is increasing rapidly. PIDE’s latest Knowledge Brief by 𝐌𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐉𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐫 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@Mjehangirkhan10), 𝐀𝐣𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@ajmalkakar34) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐫 𝐈𝐪𝐛𝐚𝐥 (@drniqbal) warns that nearly 3 million additional workers could become unemployed without timely policy intervention. The brief highlights urgent reforms including concessional credit, energy tariff rationalization, transport income support, and targeted social protection measures to reduce the impact of the emerging employment crisis. Read More: pide.org.pk/research/beyon… @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @Financegovpk, @mophrd, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PIDE #KnowledgeBrief #PakistanEconomy #Unemployment #LabourMarket #EconomicCrisis #PolicyResearch #EconomicPolicy #Pakistan

@PIDEpk organized a seminar on “𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭" to promote dialogue on the importance of inclusive financial systems in Pakistan. The discussion focused on the State Bank of Pakistan’s (@StateBank_Pak) role in advancing financial inclusion, particularly for women and marginalized communities, as a pathway toward sustainable and equitable development. The seminar provided valuable insights into strengthening access, opportunity, and participation within Pakistan’s financial landscape. @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PIDE #BankingOnEquality #FinancialInclusion #InclusiveGrowth #SBP #PakistanDevelopment #EconomicInclusion #PublicPolicy #Seminar

𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 - 𝗔𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (Teaser 2) Teaser 2 of Citypedia presents a glimpse into the depth, scale, and diversity of Pakistan’s cities through data, evidence, and analysis. From demography, housing, transport, governance, and public services to labour markets, trade, environment, land use, urban sprawl, real estate, safety, education, healthcare, climate, and quality of life — Citypedia brings together more than 370 indicators across 38 thematic areas for 20 cities of Pakistan. Built under @RASTA_PIDE, Citypedia is Pakistan’s first comprehensive city knowledge platform designed to help policymakers, researchers, planners, investors, students, and citizens better understand how cities function, grow, and evolve. This teaser highlights the themes, indicators, maps, and insights that make Citypedia a first-of-its-kind initiative in Pakistan. Full reports and the interactive dashboard are coming soon, InshaAllah. @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @PakPMO, @CDAthecapital, @UrbanUnitGop, @PBSofficialpak, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #Citypedia #PIDE #RASTA #UrbanPakistan #Cities #EvidenceBasedPolicy #DataForDevelopment #URAANPakistan #Pakistan

𝐆𝐰𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 In this op-ed, Dr. Syed Hasanat Shah (@Hasanatsyed1) and Mujtaba Arshad highlight how Gwadar Port can emerge as a key regional trade hub amid growing uncertainty around traditional Gulf routes. The article emphasizes that institutional efficiency, logistics reforms, digital integration, and performance-driven governance are essential for Gwadar to fully capitalize on shifting global trade dynamics under CPEC 2.0. Read More: brecorder.com/news/40421902 @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @MaritimeGovPK, @port_gwadar, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PIDE #Gwadar #CPEC #Trade #Geopolitics #PakistanEconomy #Logistics #MaritimeTrade #PolicyResearch #EconomicDevelopment

The PIDE–World Bank Lecture Series featured Dr. Tehseen Qureshi, who delivered a lecture titled “𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩.” The lecture focused on the structural inefficiencies within Pakistan’s wheat economy and highlighted how low investment in agricultural research continues to limit productivity and innovation in the sector. A key focus of the discussion was the need for deregulation and market-oriented reforms to ensure long-term sustainability. The session emphasized the importance of crop diversification, predictable trade policies, and the gradual reduction of subsidies that contribute to resource inefficiencies and environmental imbalance. The session concluded with an engaging discussion on the future of Pakistan’s agriculture sector and the policy measures needed to strengthen food security and sustainable economic growth. @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PIDE #WorldBank #WheatSector #Agriculture #PolicyReform #FoodSecurity #PakistanEconomy

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 Pakistan does not lack reform ideas, it lacks consistent implementation. From exports and taxation to the energy sector, policy reforms are often announced with ambition but weakened by reversals, vested interests, and weak institutional continuity. In this op-ed, 𝐀𝐝𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐤𝐫𝐚𝐦 argues that Pakistan’s reform challenge is not technical but structural. Policies continue to favor discretion over predictability and short-term adjustments over long-term transformation. The article highlights that without rules-based governance, institutional consistency, and broader reform consensus, Pakistan risks remaining trapped in a cycle of recurring crises instead of sustainable growth. Read More: brecorder.com/news/40420859/… @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @Financegovpk, @FBRSpokesperson, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PakistanEconomy #EconomicReform #Governance #PublicPolicy #InstitutionalReform #PIDE

𝗣𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 | 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 Learning poverty remains one of the most critical challenges facing South Asia, limiting human capital development and widening educational inequality. Improving foundational learning outcomes is essential for building a productive and inclusive future. Join #PIDE seminar featuring 𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤, Team Leader at ILMpact British Council, who will discuss the regional dimensions of learning poverty and its implications for education policy and reform. Moderator: Dr. Zulfiqar Ali (@Kalhorozulfiqar) — Associate Professor, @PIDEpk 📍 A. R. Kemal Conference Hall 📅 Wednesday, May 20, 2026 ⏰ 01:30 PM (PKT) 💻 Zoom Meeting ID: 825 1833 1615 🔑 Passcode: 988095 @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @pkBritish, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PIDE #EducationPolicy #LearningPoverty #HumanCapital #SouthAsia #EducationalReform

𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 - 𝗔𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (Teaser 1) Today, we are releasing the first teaser video of Citypedia — a major initiative by @RASTA_PIDE aimed at documenting, analysing, and understanding Pakistani cities like never before. Using 370+ indicators organised under 38 thematic areas, Citypedia has developed 360° profiles of 20 cities across Pakistan. It brings together data, evidence, visuals, maps, and narratives to help policymakers, researchers, investors, students, and citizens better understand how our cities function, grow, and evolve. This is not just a publication project. It is an effort to build Pakistan’s first comprehensive city knowledge platform. The full reports and online Citypedia dashboard are now in the final designing phase and will be released soon, InshaAllah. Meanwhile, watch the Teaser 1 of Citypedia that offers a glimpse into its scale, scope, and coverage. @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PakPMO, @PlanComPakistan, @FaheemJehangir, @CDAthecapital, @UrbanUnitGop, @PBSofficialpak @Fizzscreams #Citypedia #PIDE #RASTA #UrbanPakistan #EvidenceBasedPolicy #Cities #Pakistan

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘂𝘇 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗱: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸 In her article, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗵𝗮 𝗥𝗶𝗮𝘇 explains why Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to external crises due to dependence on imported energy, remittances, and fragile economic structures. Rising oil prices do not just affect markets, they increase inflation, weaken purchasing power, threaten jobs, and deepen social inequality. The solution is not panic or temporary fixes. Pakistan needs structural reforms, diversified energy sources, stronger exports, and coordinated economic policy to build long-term resilience. Read More: brecorder.com/news/40421036/… @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PIDE #Pakistan #OilPrices #PakistanEconomy #Inflation

PIDE hosted a seminar titled “𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐚: 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐂 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬” featuring 𝐃𝐫. 𝐆𝐡𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐝 (@GhulamSamad1), Chief of Research Division at the CAREC Institute (@CARECInstitute), moderated by 𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐡. The seminar highlighted Pakistan’s untapped geo-economic potential as a regional connectivity hub linking Central Asia, China, and the Middle East. Discussions focused on border inefficiencies, weak logistics infrastructure, and the urgent need to modernize trade corridors through rail upgrades, digital transit systems, and regional cooperation. The session underscored that Pakistan’s geographic advantage can only translate into economic gains through coordinated reforms, efficient transit systems, and strategic regional engagement. 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫: youtube.com/watch?v=NlMThD… @nadeemjavaid75, @betterpakistan, @PlanComPakistan, @GovtofPakistan, @FaheemJehangir, @Fizzscreams #PIDE #CAREC #CPEC #RegionalConnectivity #TradeCorridors #PakistanEconomy

Day 3 of the 6th #RASTAPIDE Conference features sessions on Governance, Political Economy, Domestic Commerce, Poverty & Citypedia. Experts discuss reforms, urban challenges & Pakistan’s development priorities. Details: rasta.pide.org.pk/6th-rasta-pide… Zoom link: bit.ly/4wqQbhQ

𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀-𝐏𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟓-𝟏𝟕,𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 The 6th RASTA–PIDE (@RASTA_PIDE) Conference commenced with a powerful call for evidence-based policymaking, institutional reform, and research that directly contributes to Pakistan’s national transformation agenda. Bringing together scholars, policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers from across Pakistan and abroad, the conference serves as a platform for generating practical solutions to the country’s most pressing economic and social challenges. Prof. Ahsan Iqbal (NI) (@betterpakistan), Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (@PlanComPakistan), inaugurated the virtual conference. He called upon researchers to produce courageous, implementable, and policy-oriented research capable of addressing real governance and institutional challenges. The Vice Chancellor, #PIDE, Dr. Nadeem Javaid (SI) (@nadeemjavaid75), reflected on PIDE’s emergence as a national knowledge and policy hub, citing initiatives such as RASTA and the Centre of Excellence for CPEC. He particularly highlighted the impact of the RASTA and stressed on the importance of mentorship, stronger research ecosystems, and meaningful engagements between academia and policymakers. The Secretary M/o PD&SI, Mr. Awais Manzur Sumra (@AwaisSumraPak), reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and highlighted the growing importance of RASTA’s Demand-Driven Research mechanism. He emphasized that policy-oriented research should move beyond reports and conferences to actively shape implementation frameworks and public sector decision-making. Presenting the RASTA Progress Report, Dr. Faheem Jehangir (@FaheemJehangir), Dean of Policy Advocacy at PIDE, and Project Director, #RASTA, emphasized on bridging the research-policy gap. Drawing on evidence from RASTA programme, he highlighted that the initiative has evolved into Pakistan’s largest policy research ecosystem, connecting researchers, universities, think tanks, practitioners, and policymakers to promote evidence-based policymaking and informed national development discourse. Around 34 completed research projects are being presented at the three-day conference. Interested participants are encouraged to join the sessions online and become part of this national policy discourse. 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬: rasta.pide.org.pk 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤: us06web.zoom.us/j/82518331615?… #PIDE #RASTA #PolicyResearch #EvidenceBasedPolicy #Pakistan #EconomicTransformation #URAANPakistan