All rights are reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic or mechanical),
including photocopying, recording or information storage and retrieval
system, without prior written permission of the publisher.
A publication of Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Islamabad
SDPI is an independent, non-profit research institute on sustainable
development.
@ 2022 by Sustainable Development Policy Institute
Acknowledgement
The compilation of this report would not have been possible without
the input and guidance from Board of Directors, Executive Director, and
colleagues at the Institute.
Edited and Compiled by:
Designed by:
Saleem Khilji
Umair Hassan
ii
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
I N T R O D U C T I O N \ 1
P O L I C Y R E S E A R C H \ 1 8
R E S E A R C H C O O R D I N A T I O N \ 6 1
R E S E A R C H N E T W O R K S \ 6 2
P O L I C Y A D V O C A C Y & O U T R E A C H \ 6 9
C E N T R E S O F E X C E L L E N C E \ 9 4
R E S E A R C H S U P P O R T \ 1 0 4
S D P I S T A F F \ 1 0 9
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I N T R O D U C T I O N
1
A B O U T
S D P I
Founded 30 years ago (August 1992)
on the recommendation of Pakistan
National Conservation Strategy
(NCS), also called Pakistan’s Agenda
2 1 , S D P I w a s r e g i s t e r e d u n d e r
Societies Registration Act XXI of
1860. The NCS outlined the need for
an independent policy think tank
to serve as a source of expertise for
policy formulation, policy analysis,
policy intervention, and policy
p r o g r a m m e a d v i s o r y s e r v i c e s .
SDPI strives for bridging research-
policy gap through effective policy
outreach and capacity building.
2
SDPI at a Glance
3
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
4
5
A PICTORAL VIEW OF 25th SDC
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A PICTORAL VIEW OF 25th SDC
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
COP27
SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri speaks at a session of COP 27 at Sharm El-Sheikh held
in November 2022.
15
Policy Advisory Role
Over the years, the institute has been succeeded in carving out an advisory role
in policy making circles. SDPI is now closely working with different ministries and
departments to provide them policy advise on different issues in line with the
institute’s evidence-based research. Some of the policy advisory roles the SDPI
leadership has been assigned in the government circles are as under:
Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director
Member of the Pakistan Climate Change Council
Member of the Government of Punjab’s Vice Chancellors’ Search Committee for
Agricultural Universities
Members, Board of Directors, National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF)
Member of Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council till April 2022
Convenor of Prime Minister’s Agriculture Transformation Plan till April 2022
Dr Vaqar Ahmed, Joint Executive Director
Member, Reforms & Resource Mobilization Commission
Member, Board of Directors, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment & Trade.
Member, Fauji Foundation Welfare Advisory Board.
Member, Approvals Committee, Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), Pakistan
Member, Technical Committee of Spatial Strategy Project, Government of Punjab
Member, Advisory Council, National Skills University.
Dr Sajid Amin, Deputy Executive Director (Research)
Member, Working Group on First Five-Year Plan, Planning and Development
Department, Balochistan
Member, Sectoral Advisory Group (Macroeconomy), Ministry of Finance
Member, Working Group on Macroeconomic Framework-Growth, Investment and
Savings, Planning Commission of Pakistan
Member, Working Group on Economic Governance, 12th Five Year Plan, Planning
and Development Division
Invited participant of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Decent Work and
Economic Growth
Dr Hina Aslam, Research Fellow
Part of Advisory Group, National Security Division (Climate Security)
Member of Network for Clean Energy Transition (NCET)
16
The Jewel in the Crown
Consultative Status by UN Department of
Economic and Social Affairs - Sustainable
Development
I n S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 2 , S D P I w a s g r a n t e d
consultative status for the UN - Economic and
Social Council (ECOSOC). By virtue of having
‘consultative status’ at ECOSOC, SDPI is enabled
to engage with ECOSOC and its subsidiary
bodies, the Human Rights Council and, under
specific conditions, with the General Assembly
and other intergovernmental bodies, as well as
with the United Nations Secretariat.
Accreditation with UN Environment
Programme (UNEP)
In February 2022, Sustainable Development
Policy Institute (SDPI) was granted accreditation
to the United Nations Environment Assembly
(UNEA) of UNEP.
Accreditation provides non-governmental
organizations with observer status access
to the UNEA and other subsidiary bodies of
UNEP including participation in Committee of
Permanent Representatives.
17
P O L I C Y
R E S E A R C H
18
CLEAN ENERGY
TRANSITION
ENERGY SECURITY
Timeline: January 2022 - December 2022.
Introduction
The energy sector of Pakistan has been facing multiple socio-economic challenges
over the past many years, leading to severe energy crisis that has hindered the
country’s economic growth. These challenges range from constantly increasing
circular debt due to inefficiency and high T&D losses, large-capacity payments,
and high dependence on imported fossil fuels to inconsistency in policy goals
and targets. Though the nature of each challenge differs, there exists a common
solution, i.e. the inclusion of environmental considerations, penetration of clean
energy, resource indigenization, and sustainable development in the planning and
development discourse of the energy sector.
To address these challenges, SDPI has made a comprehensive research outreach
strategy under its clean energy transition programme. The key works revolved
around advocating and emphasizing the need for energy transition through
an evidence-directed outreach effort ensuring a conducive environment which
improves buy-in for the relevant interventions from all stakeholders. To achieve
this goal, a multi-dimensional approach targeting different aspects of clean energy
transition was adopted in the local context of Pakistan. This included: i) conducting
an extensive research and advocacy around clean energy transition driven by
renewable energy resources, and ii) identifying and advocating policies and
strategies that can ensure reliability and affordability for CET in Pakistan through
evidence-led research.
Output
In January 2022, SDPI officially launched its “Network for Clean Energy Transition
(NCET) in Pakistan: Research and Advocacy”. Launching NCET was a first-of-its-kind
initiative in Pakistan to address the critical dimensions of the energy transition for
achieving SDG 7. Together with 120 partners hosted by this network, we aimed to
accelerate the debate on the subject, and take bold actions to seek a way forward
for technology transfer and the implementation of best practices from across the
world. Under the auspice of this network, the energy unit of SDPI collaborated
with United Nations Economic and Social Commission of Asia and the Pacific (UN
ESCAP) and Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), the Ministry of Energy
19
(Power Division) to develop Pakistan’s first ever roadmap for SDG 7 using UNESCAP’s
NEXSTEP tool. The roadmap was officially launched by Pakistan’s federal minister for
energy at the twenty seventh session of the Conference of Parties (COP27) in Sharm
El - Sheikh in November 2022.
To further address the criticality of “Energy Security” in Pakistan and the need
to develop an action plan for climate mitigation in line with Pakistan’s Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs), the energy unit of SDPI in collaboration with
NCET partners launched three key research publications in the past, i.e. i) “Pakistan’s
Annual State of the Renewable Energy Report 2021-22”, ii) “Industrial Preparedness
and Socio-economic prospects of electric vehicles in Pakistan” and iii) “Electricity
market reforms in Pakistan: The case of Competitive Trading Bilateral Contracts
Market (CTBCM)”.
Along with these outputs, we have extended our research to further ensure inclusive
and green economic recovery by publishing research papers on “Green recovery
from COVID 19: Outlook for Pakistan’s Energy sector” and “Debt Swap for Green
Recovery: Options, Challenges and the Way Forward for Pakistan”. Furthermore,
in our efforts of engaging with the private sector, we have conducted an extensive
research work with Unilever Pakistan on a project aiming at “Synergizing the
Climate Ambition: A Blueprint for Achieving NDCs through Public-Private
Partnership”. Under this project, SDPI started engagement with OICCI (200
companies, corporates, industries), highlighting the critical role of the private sector
in promoting a sustainable and inclusive development for achieving NDCs.
All the research publications addressing energy security in Pakistan had extensive
inputs from all the stakeholders through various consultations and outreach events
conducted across the country. This also led to the launch of two annual flagship
events, i.e. “Annual State of the Renewable Energy Conference” and “Annual
Conference on Green Financing to support low carbon development in Pakistan”.
To further ensure that key findings and policy recommendations are forwarded
to the stakeholders in the most succinct manner possible, we also facilitated the
20
formulation of “Renewable Energy Parliamentary Caucus” that mobilized the
rightful role of parliament in giving political impetus towards Improved legislations
and financing for RE, policy oversight, and collaboration and coordination with
the government, oversight bodies and organizations promoting the clean energy
transition.
Impact
In the light of our research in connection with renewable energy, the government
has facilitated consumers with the options to get soft loans from commercial banks
to install solar power plants.
Focal Person: Ubaid Ur Rehman Zia (ubaid@sdpi.org)
21
Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization
Timeline: January 2022 - December 2022
Introduction
With a rapid growth in population and urbanization, the energy demand has
been constantly increasing. During the period between 2018-50, global energy
consumption is likely to increase by almost 50%. On the one hand, this increase is
directly linked to environmental degradation, but on the other, it poses a daunting
challenge to the limited energy sources, particularly in the developing countries.
In Pakistan, energy wastage and environmental degradation are the major
challenges behind the increasing energy demand. In the backdrop of missing
regulatory and policy regulations, lack of awareness of energy-efficient appliances
and passive conservation techniques, the wastage of energy in Pakistan is almost
three-times more than that of the global average.
SDPI, under its clean energy transition programme, has been conducting
extensive research and policy advocacy under the theme of “Energy Efficiency and
Decarbonization”, with the aim to analyze the potential of energy efficiency and
conservation measures to address the energy sector challenges.
Objectives
Key objectives of this research and policy advocacy are:
• To identify the potential avenues for energy efficiency and conservation in the
residential sector through the use of active and passive energy conservation
techniques,
• To analyze the techno-economic feasibilities of Industrial Decarbonization in
Pakistan and identify the key enablers that can be mobilized through political
interventions and public/private investments, and
• To analyze how energy efficiency and conservation can support Pakistan’s
mitigation action plan prescribed under the Nationally Determined Contributions
(NDCs).
Output
To support Pakistan’s stance on phasing out of inefficient and mercury-based
lighting under the Minamata Convention, SDPI conducted a “Market study on
LED lightning: A case for energy efficiency and conservation in Pakistan” in
collaboration with Clean Lighting Coalition (CLiC). The study highlighted the socio-
economic and environmental benefits that can be achieved by making a complete
transition towards indoor LED lighting. The key findings of the study were presented
to the stakeholders and eventually the African Lighting Amendment demanding the
phaseout of mercury-based lighting was supported by Pakistan during the fourth
22
session of Conference of Parties of Minamata Convention (COP 4) in 2022. This
research will be further extended to cover inefficient outdoor and industrial lighting
in Pakistan.
Secondly, to address the residential sector challenges particularly for the low-
income population, SDPI published a study on “Climate Smart and Low-Income
Housing in Pakistan”. This study identified the active and passive energy
conservation techniques in both the in-house appliances and construction materials
that can address the energy requirements of building sector while providing a low-
carbon solution.
Currently, the work is also being targeted to deliver a comprehensive baseline
estimate of Pakistan’s industrial sector emissions and map the extent of use and
performance of existing and planned decarbonization technologies in key subsector
activities. The resulting database will inform an investigation that quantifies the
opportunity scope to scale traditional and innovative technical solutions and assess
their ‘fit’ for local policy and investment conditions.
Impact
At present Pakistan faces a shortage of more than 10 million homes. Owing
to population explosion, peri urban areas are expanding with less facilities. A
big number of population living in urban and peri-urban areas have informal
settlements. The former government has initiated Naya Pakistan Housing scheme,
but it could not yield fruitful results. As SDPI has launched an extensive advocacy
campaign with regard to promoting the concept of climate smart housing, private
sector has now started builingd climate-smart and energy efficient houses in the
country.
A consultative meeting on Pakistan’s stance on proposed amendments at Minamata
Convention on the occasion of COP 4.2
Focal Person: Ubaid Ur Rehman Zia (ubaid@sdpi.org)
23
Energy Finance
Timeline: June 2022 - December 2022.
Introduction
Clean energy transition is crucial to lowering the intensity of the climate change, a
big challenge confronting the world. Phasing-out fossil fuels, switching to electric
vehicles, deploying renewable energy technologies on a massive scale, and ensuring
complete access to affordable and reliable energy, are all important advancements
in this context. However, such ventures require a comprehensively drafted strategy
along with a sustainable flow of finance, areas that Pakistan often struggles with.
The country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), presented in 2021,
estimate a sum of $101 billion to achieve its energy transition targets by 2030;
acquiring a major chunk of this amount is dependent on international support in
the form of ‘green finance’ facilities, which to a large extent, remain unexplored and
underutilized by Pakistan.
Objectives
To address these issues, SDPI has paved the way for mainstreaming green finance
and supporting the country’s energy transition. The key objective has been to spread
awareness and initiate a dialogue on the subject, while building capacity on green
financing guidelines and sustainable development needs of Pakistan, both generally
and with a special emphasis on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Output
SDPI, through its Network for Clean Energy Transition (NCET), initiated work on
green financing in June 2022. In this connection, a capacity building workshop and
24
training session was conducted to help the stakeholders in developing an initial
understanding of the concept and acclimatizing them with the resources and
tools that are already available in the national and international markets. This was
conducted in collaboration with the Pakistan-Germany Climate and Energy Initiative,
which is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation
and Development and currently coordinated by GIZ. The key outcome was the
identification of gaps in Pakistan’s current financial, governance, and institutional
structures that potentially obstruct the development of green projects: these
activities also revealed a consensus amongst all stakeholders on the liberating role
the private sector could play and the subsequent need to tap its resources. These,
along with other relevant policy recommendations, now compiled in the form of
a policy brief titled “Green Financing Frontiers in Pakistan: Charting the course
towards a Sustainable Future”, have been well-received by federal ministries such as
the Ministry of Energy.
Furthermore, following the launch of the “Green CPEC Alliance” in June 2022, in
collaboration with the Pakistan-China Institute, SDPI initiated the “CPEC Green
Development Program” to support, accelerate and promote green transition
within Pakistan as well as the broader domain of the Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI). Workshops and discussions organized under the programme revolved
around scaling up green finance under CPEC by utilising incentives and innovative
mechanisms to diversify risk, along with different policy instruments that can be
used to encourage the public and private sectors to invest in renewable energy in
CPEC. The discussions have been encapsulated in the following outputs; a research
report on “Green Financing Guidelines and Framework for CPEC", papers on “Green
Financing Guidelines under CPEC”, “Renewable Energy Investments under CPEC”,
and “Private Sector Engagement and Renewable Energy (RE) Investments under
CPEC”.
Focal Person: Ubaid Ur Rehman Zia (ubaid@sdpi.org)
25
ECONOMY
Pension Reform Agenda of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Timeline: January 2021-December 2022
Introduction
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, pension liabilities represent a long-standing drag on the
provincial balance sheet and the provincial budget. The yearly pension expenditure
has jumped from 03 per cent of the provincial budget to nearly 10 per cent during
the last decade. The pension bill has grown nearly 10 times larger from Rs 7.17
billion in 2009-10 to Rs 69.91 billion in 2018-19, outpacing the salaries’ bill growth,
federal transfers and even the overall budget during the same period. Pre-
COVID estimates predicted that growing pension servicing costs would squeeze
out development spending in the years to come. However, the pandemic has
accelerated this shift by up to 3-4 years, which means development spending could
be completely crowded out by pension costs before 2030. The study was conducted
with the assistance of Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED)
Objectives
• To bring together government officials and independent experts to highlight
fiscal policy challenges presented by the growth in public sector pensions (which
are not funded) and to evolve reform options based on evidence from nation
and international experiences
• To bring forth a fruitful discussion around pension reforms through advocacy
and stakeholders’ engagement
Recommendations
The study recommended that if the pension contributions are indexed to revenue
growth, this will obligate the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to
prioritize pension servicing and set aside funds for this purpose above and beyond
the current Pay-As-YouGo level.
It further recommended that raising debt through traditional banking channels
or riskier financial markets is a fairly obvious policy option. This could be used to
initiate a buy-out programme. Under this program, government employees could
be offered an option to accept immediate partial payments in lieu of full future
benefits. The study also suggested some IT-based solutions that could help plug and
prevent leakages and opportunities for misuse.
26
Provincial Finance Minister Mr Taimur Jhagra speaks at a webinar on ’Government Pensions and
Future Fiscal Sustainability’.
Output
Our study highlighted that the KP government can earmark assets with matching
duration and transfer them to the Pension Fund to meet targeted milestones in
pension liabilities. If the pension contributions are indexed to revenue growth, this
will obligate the KP Government to prioritize pension servicing and set aside funds
for this purpose above and beyond the current pay-as-you-go level.
Impact
After first policy note, the KP Government took key pension reform measures in its
annual budget 2021 which were also discussed in first policy note and presented
to Provincial Finance Minister Mr Taimur Jhagra. The policy notes proposed that
the family pension structure should be simplified to reduce administrative costs.
Besides, the province should move towards Defined Contribution Scheme for
pension. The KP government implemented both the measures through legislation.
Focal person: Asif Javed (asifjaved@sdpi.org)
27
Expanding financial service delivery for the poor and
marginalized
Timeline: November 2021-March 2022
Introduction
The microfinance industry has now been increasingly focusing on how to reach out
to un-served and under-served segments of its target market through the digital
financial services (DFS). In this regard, SDPI has conducted a field survey to provide
key insights on how to improve the bank’s digital financial services (DFS) outreach in
the customer segments.
Objectives
• The survey aims to identify the social, economic, and behavioural factors that
prevent potential clients from accessing digital financial services?
• Despite good outreach by the bank, why potential clients from certain income-
class or geographical location may not be showing interest in microfinance
services?
• Despite the complimentary benefits available for the bank’s micro borrowers, e.g.
provision of health insurance, what more could be done to make digital financial
services more attractive?
• What the bank can learn from the experience of its peer organizations?
Findings
The study finds that two-thirds of all respondents reported having a bank account
whereas majority of respondents reported having a smartphone and are using
a pre-paid cellular connection for their routine connectivity needs. Overall,
respondents’ interactions with DFS were more likely to have revolved around using
an ATM machine (followed by a mobile app) than using other alternate-delivery-
channels (ADCs) such as call centers.
The study highlighted how greater and improved digital financial services could be
attained by potential clients to access the services with certainty and low transaction
costs.
28
President of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Kashif Anwar and SDPI researcher Asif
Javed pose for a photograph after a meeting.
Impact
In the aftermath of our research and continuous follow-up with select microfinance
institutions, our selected microfinance institute was restructured and later merged
with a larger banking entity for improved services to facilitate women micro
borrowers.
Focal person: Asif Javed (asifjaved@sdpi.org)
29
Impact of Tariff Rationalizationon and FBR Export Schemes
on SMEs
Timeline: April 2022- October 2022
Introduction
The senior leadership of National Tariff Commission in collaboration with the
World Bank Group and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) conducted
a firm level survey to assess a) effectiveness and impact of tariff rationalization on
small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and b) benefits of FBR facilitation schemes
for exporting firms. In the case of latter there have been recent changes and it is
important to see if early (intended) results have started to emerge. It is equally
important to note that both (a) and (b) are linked as any efforts towards tariff
rationalization will not lend optimal gains unless conducive measures are also
undertaken through FBR schemes.
Over the years, SMEs have raised concerns over changes in tariff structures and
related costs. Industry believes that due to changes in tariffs and lack of consistency
in policy has created a unfavourable environment to operate in.
Background: Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) conducted a programme titled:
“Strengthening the Use of Evidence for Development Impact” (SEDI) which sought
to increase the use of robust evidence directly informing policy or programme
decisions. The project mapped the main elements of the evidence ecosystem in
the country. The programme was awarded due to SDPI’s previous exercises in
evidence use space especially with the Planning Commission. During the course of
that programme, SDPI engaged National Tariff Commission 9NTC) and conducted a
diagnostic exercise to find out the status and needs of evidence for the commission.
In the backdrop of that engagement NTC reverted to SDPI with the request to help
in acquiring robust evidence that can inform commission’s policy decisions viz a viz
tariff rationalization.
Objectives
To address these NTC developed the National Tariff Policy in 2019. This project
aims to assess effectiveness and impact of the policy on SMEs. In addition to this,
the project would also aim to find out if the intended results have emerged. On the
contrary, if the policy has not benefitted or has some loopholes or pitfalls the project
would relay recommendations and feedback from SMEs to NTC for redressal. In the
end, NTC wishes to improve upon the tariff policy to provide effective relief to SMEs
in the country.
30
The export schemes study is aimed to find out if these schemes complement tariff
rationalization efforts. Tariff rationalization efforts alone cannot bring the desired
effects and changes if export schemes also do not move in the same direction.
So, it is imperative to assess how export schemes either support or hurt tariff
rationalization measures. If there is any mismatch or inconsistency among various
exports schemes and tariff policy, NTC would seek to take the matter up with the
FBR to provide consistency across policies for SMEs.
The key objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of tariff rationalization/
National Tariff Policy and export facilitation schemes for SMEs. The project
conducted two surveys of 300 SMEs for each study in Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujrat
and Peshawar to acquire feedback from SMEs.
Output
Based on findings and analysis of the report, NTC would fine tune its approach to
tariff policy related measures thereby reducing financial burden/costs for SMEs.
Impact
After following our research findings and recommendations, National Tariff
Commission was able to revise tariff rates for inputs of value-added industrial
sector. Our inputs also included improving the design of Federal Board of Revenue's
Export Facilitation Schemes -- an aspect which is being looked into presently by the
government and International Monetary Fund.
SDPI Researcher meeting with Surgical Instruments
Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SIMAP)
31
SDPI Researcher in meeting with Fawad Ijaz Khan, Patron-in-Chief and the Founder Chairman of
Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association
SDPI Researchers meet senior management of Pakistan Automobile Spare Part Importers and Dealers
Association
Focal person: Ahmed Khaver (ahmedkhaver@sdpi.org)
32
Course on Social Protection
Timeline: April 2022 to Jul y2023
Introduction
Social protection enjoys political priority in Pakistan and has consequently become
an institutionalized topic at the federal and provincial levels. Areas of social
protection continue to benefit from strong and long-term development partner
support as well as continuous capacity development. Keeping in view the gaps in
design of interventions, together with lack of coordination and overlaps in delivery,
the need for a more systems-based approach was felt to the design and delivery of
social protection in the country. At present, there is no regular, institutionalized in-
service training for social protection practitioners in the public sector. Therefore,
capacity strengthening needs to be prioritized at the governmental level and
beyond. For this purpose, a detailed social protection course was prepared.
The course targeted the civil servants, who were at the entry- or mid-level of
their careers and involved in social protection service delivery both at the federal
and provincial levels in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In this course
development, GIZ, Oxford Policy Management, and Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg are
SDPI partners.
Objective
The basic objective of the course is to familiarize civil servants with different social
protection instruments and provide them a better understanding of the rationale
as well as the main concepts in social protection. They will be able to develop an
understanding and pursue a systems-based approach to social protection, realizing
the potential as well as the challenges when it comes to coordination, integrated
data management an graduation approaches. With this training, they will be
provided a detailed know how to use different indicators, methods, and databases
to compare and contrast social protection systems and best practices.
Focal Person: Qasim Shah (qasim@sdpi.org)
33
Trade and Commerce
Economic Conditions of Transgender Community in Pakistan:
A case for establishing their business networks
Timeline: August 2021 – June 2022
Introduction
Transgender persons are often stigmatized and suffer discrimination in our society.
They are subjected to harassment and violence at large. This study highlights the
challenges being faced by the trans-community and how they can be empowered
economically so that they might earn a respectable livelihood and pursue their
own businesses. It further aims to bridge the knowledge gap as to what is required
and how does the community perceive in depth the challenges in their struggle
to demand their right to identity, and how they can be accepted by the state and
society as equal citizens. For this purpose, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were
conducted with potential entrepreneurs from the transgender community. The
views expressed in this study indicate the ignorance and unconcernedness of
society towards the trans-community in the provision of employment, business
opportunities, education, and health benefits, resulting in limited means of
livelihood for them. There is a need to implement Transgender Persons Act, 2018 in
letter and spirit at the provincial and federal levels. The study was carried out with
the assistance of SEED Venture, and Pink Skill & Training Centre.
Objectives
The study mainly aims to:
•
identify the challenges experienced by the transgender community in the
entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pakistan.
• points out the technical and managerial skills required with a focus on the
creation of a trans-incubation cohort and understanding their demands from
the state.
• bridge the gap by studying the challenges and grasping the demands of the
transgender community
Recommmendations
For the uplift of trans-community in Pakistan, it is mandatory that special National
Incubation Centers should be set up for them. More emphasis should be on the
transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018 implementation with letter and
spirit at all levels. The acquisition of rights concerning rental property should also
be considered. These implementations will act as a cushion with focused actions for
their inclusion in every walk of life.
34
The study demands that the inclusion of transgender community in the e-commerce
cycle of the country by providing them access to technical skill development is the
need of hour. In this manner, they will enable themselves to integrate into the
business supply chain cycle.
The transgender community needs an economic stimulus empowerment package
so that they might be able to access equal education and technical/ vocational
training. This step would empower them economically through micro-financing and
loans to run and sustain their own businesses.
Impact
One of our recommendations was that transgenders should be included in the
government schemes such as the Benazir Income Support Program. In this regard, a
policy was approved in December 2022.
Focal Person: Ahad Nazir (ahad@sdpi.org)
35
Better Business Regulatory Environment in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa
Timeline: June 2021 to June 2023
Introduction
Pakistan has seen recent improvements in business climate which is indeed an
encouraging news not only for local investors but also for foreign ones, who look
into the prospects of long-term growth opportunities. Recent research by SDPI
and partners, however, reveals that barriers to the growth of private enterprise
still exist and can be addressed through further improvements in the regulatory
environment. Problems faced by the existing large enterprises also discourage small
businesses to scale and foreign investors to enter into joint ventures.
In order to bridge the gap between academic research and policymakers and better
sharing and dissemination of the research on these topics related to the business
environment, SDPI established an inclusive Network for Economic Think Tanks in
2018. For 2021-23, SDPI has prioritized, ‘Better Business Regulatory Environment in
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ as a key area of research and advocacy. Keeping the above in
view, we are extending the Network of Economic Think Tanks by establishing Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Chapter.
Objectives
This project aims to assess the business regulatory environment for various
segments, geographies, and firms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. Through an
inclusive and scientific approach, it aims to boost evidence collection and afterwards
enhance outreach and communication leading to an indicated perception of KP’s
regulatory environment by the private sector. Highlighting the gap analysis of the
current regulatory regime, the project further aims to enhance the accountability
and principles of democracy by convincing the government through evidence-
based decision-making and working on both supply and demand sides for a better
business regulatory environment.
Output
A survey focusing on the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)
from all sectors was conducted to assess the regulatory environment in the KP
province. For a detailed study, SDPI research team visited chambers of commerce
and industry and provincial government departments associated with business
regulations and built a rapport and understand the core issues related to the
regulatory environment in the districts and divisions. To analyze the issues
pertaining to the regulatory environment and to reflect on the stakeholder
engagements, public-private dialogues were held in Hazara, Malakand, Swabi, and
36
Peshawar divisions.
Impact
Several of the recommendations from our public-private dialogues (PPDs) and
reports have been included in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Policy. The salient
ones include a focus on ease of doing business at the district and tehsil level, and
energy security through solarization.
Public-private dialogue on Better Business Regulatory Environment in Newly Merged
Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa held on 29th September 2022
Public-private dialogue on Better Business Regulatory Environment
in Newly Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa held on 29th September 2022
Focal Person: Ahad Nazir (ahad@sdpi.org)
37
Technical Assistance for Pakistan Single Window (PSW) -
Bridging Digital Innovation and Sustainability
Timeline: June 2022 to June 2023
Introduction
This project aims to align the SDPI mandate with that of Pakistan Single Window
(PSW) in areas of action research, advocacy & outreach, and capacity-building.
Through these actions, SDPI’s interventions will make PSW a practically useful and
sustainable initiative with a focus on the intended benefit. Furthermore, the PSW
requires assistance in developing a capacity-building programme with the objective
to lead to an accreditation programme that shall ensure the sustainability of the
PSW. They are considering using e-learning platforms that shall be utilized for
continued training and certification for the PSW users and other stakeholders.
SDPI is bridging the interlinkages by mapping the PSW processes with the United
Nations 2030 agenda through specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The mapping shall guide the PSW to become green and sustainable not only in
operations but also in communication.
Objectives
• To encourage the accountability and transparency mechanism for all policy
decisions in the PSW through structured and documented public-private
interactions.
• To aware all stakeholders of the international trade ecosystem about inclusive
communication, training, certification, and accreditation mechanisms of the
PSW.
• To recommend sustainability and evidence-driven decision-making in the PSW
through mapping and aligning their majority processes and initiatives with the
SDGs.
Activities
During 2022, SDPI in collaboration with an international donor provided support
to to PSW in multiple activities in the form of a a platform to ensure accountability,
and transparency for all policy decisions for paperless cross-border trade. To ensure
that the private sector is an integral part of the PSW, SDPI is setting up a Private
Sector Stakeholders Advisory Committee (PSSAC) to ensure the accountability
and transparency of the PSW initiatives. To further strengthen the PSW initiatives,
SDPI will be establishing a capacity-building programme (Trade Labs), which is an
e-learning platform based on international best practices.
In the lieu of the training policy of PSW, SDPI is further enhancing the policy to
include the certification and accreditation of training providers as per international
practices. Additionally, with regard to the capacity-building platform. A portal
38
has also been developed by SDPI for the Ministry of Food Security and Research.
Furthermore, a curriculum will be designed to train various stakeholders of the PSW
to conduct training of trainers across all federal and provincial capitals.
Another unique component of this initiative is the podcast series (Trade Talks),
which received appreciation from all quarters. To further enrich the process of
advocacy and communication, a webinar series is being initiated where a focused
discussion will resonate on the PSW policy actions, initiatives to go paperless, and
how to improve cross-border trade in the light of national and international trade
regulations. In continuation of the advocacy campaign, the podcasts and other
initiatives are being disseminated on social media.
PSW and SDPI podcast with Dr. Gonzalo J. Varela titled “Pakistan’s Economic Crisis, how can
international trade help?” organized on 15th June 2022.
For 2023, SDPI will also be focusing on developing the framework for the
sustainability reporting of PSW based on PSW CSR policy. The framework for the
knowledge product is based on the data that will be shared with SDPI by PSW.
SDPI has also proposed an annual trade facilitation monitor to be the potential
knowledge product that can validate the anticipated theory of change which formed
the basis of the PSW concept.
Outcome
SDPI’s work on the capacity-building component of Pakistan Single Window (PSW)
has led the institution to launch their training provider registration programme and
PSW certification platform. Both these initiatives will raise awareness regarding PSW
in the trader community. With this the PSW will be more effective and inclusive.
Focal Person: Ahad Nazir (ahad@sdpi.org)
39
Blue Economy
Pathways to a Sustainable Blue Economy: Role of Financial
Institutions
Timeline: April 2022 – December 2022
Introduction
Blue Economy belongs to the economic activities that directly or indirectly take
place in marine and coastal areas, utilize outputs from the ocean, and place goods
and services into ocean activities. Eventually, well-managed Blue Economy initiatives
not only contribute to sustained economic prosperity, but also social, cultural, and
environmental well-being.
Knowing the importance and need to work on Blue Economy, SDPI takes the
initiative by presenting an analysis of the “Blue Economy and Sustainable
Development" at the Multimodal conference in March 2022. Then bringing this
blue economy initiative forward in September 2022, the report: “Pathways to a
Sustainable Blue Economy: Role of Financial Institutions” was launched. SDPI
and the Bank of Punjab ollaborated to create this report which strives to provide
evidence-based research and analysis to help the ocean and coastal management,
and sustainable, long-term economic prosperity.
Extract from the report reflecting on SDGs 14: Conserve and sustainability use
the oceans, sea, and marine resources for sustainable development
The report has emphasized the need for multisectoral governance that integrates
sustainable human uses with environmental conservation and social equity. The
emphasis is given to the financial institutions’ support in the form of “Green Bonds”
40
and “Blue Bonds” initiatives, which are essential for the growth and development of
the blue economy in Pakistan.
Output
SDPI successfully engages policymakers and government stakeholders, including
experts from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA), private sector, and academia.
They not only appreciated the report but also provided their valuable opinion to add
to our findings. The goals of the Blue Economy report are:
• To support a vivid maritime and technology economy
• To support a healthy environment as the basis for a healthy economy and
flourishing communities, and
• To support a planned and educated labour force.
The report discusses the importance of blue economy and provides policy
recommendations related to financial institutions’ role in blue and green bonds,
reviews procedural inefficiencies, vale-addition of fishery products, promotion of
coastal tourism, suggests capacity building initiatives for stakeholders to shape their
work, and how the coastal communities can strengthen themselves by developing
and improving blue economic growth in Pakistan.
Report launch in Islamabad on 29th September 2022
We have suggested that the size and capacity of the blue economy in Pakistan’s
context should be $100 billion. This has been validated during the Pakistan
International Maritime Expo & Conference (PIMEC) 2023. The roadmap that was
provided at the end of PIMEC was based on the way forward from our research
report. The roadmap and potential have been submitted to ministries and
departments concerned at both at federal and provincial level.
Focal Person: Ahad Nazir (ahad@sdpi.org)
41
Labour Migration
Establishing a regional learning and action platform - A
knowledge hub on labour migration in South Asia
Timeline: October 2021 to July 2023
Introduction
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) calls for a
comprehensive approach to human mobility and enhanced cooperation at the global
level. At the adoption of the GCM, the UN member states also agreed to establish
a Capacity Building Mechanism that will include a global knowledge platform to
help inform and support governments in the implementation of the GCM. Labour
migration is one of the key pillars of the GCM. Since the implementation of the GCM
at the national and regional levels, it is imperative to conceptualize the formulation
of a knowledge hub in South Asia.
Governance of Labour Migration in South and South-East Asia (GOALS) is a UN
Joint Programme being implemented by ILO, IOM and UN Women with the support
of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); It will be working with
academic institutions and think tanks in South Asia to address research and
academic gaps on labour migration and decent work, linking learning to enhanced
and informed policy dialogues and evidence-based decision-making on labour
migration governance.
Under Outcome 3 of the GOALS programme, a South Asia Knowledge Hub will be
created to address knowledge gaps on labour migration in South Asia. The hub
will examine specific labour migration and mobility issues through a broader lens
of decent work and the social, economic and political trends in the sub-region and
beyond. Initially, it will establish links and collaborate with institutions, namely
Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU), International Institute
for Population Sciences (IIPS), Centre for the Study of Labour and Mobility (CESLAM),
Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), and Institute of Policy Studies of Sri
Lanka (IPS).
Objectives
• To carry out capacity building programmes and provide training with special
focus on young researchers in all the member countries of South Asia,
• To develop a Migration Portal as a repository of data and evidence on migration
and related issues in South Asian countries,
• To conduct research at national and regional level in the five South Asian
countries to make a comparative study of evidence and practices on labour
42
migration governance,
• To review existing policies of various countries to protect their migrants, return
migrants and provide policy recommendations to the respective governments
for protecting international migrants and their rights,
• To ensure sustainability of Knowledge Hub by ensuring long-term institutional
involvement, institutional cooperation and financial viability.
Role of Knowledge Hub
The Knowledge Hub will create a space for governments, civil society, trade unions,
private sector, academics and thinks tanks to engage with new research so as to
bring broader perspectives and empirical evidence to policy discussions. It will
connect researchers and institutions from South Asia working on themes that touch
upon labour and mobility and will link to the research agendas identified through
state-led regional consultative processes, including the Colombo Process, the Abu
Dhabi Dialogue and possibly SAARC.
Activities
The programme will connect researchers and institutions in South Asia working
on labour migration and identify their future areas of work. Besides, it will provide
internships and fellowships to young scholars to participate in capacity building
programmes. It will identify the important pillars in which the Knowledge Hub
should focus on. The key pillars could be, Migration Policies, Gender and Migration,
Migration and Health, Migration and Development, and Adverse Drivers of
Migration. Under this, data on international migration from various countries of
South Asia will be collected and compiled and a migration portal will be developed
making it accessible to researchers. To disseminate knowledge, seminars and
conferences will be held. Research outputs will be published in the form of
newsletter/books/articles/ research papers. To liaison and have MoUs will be signed
with institutions at both origin and destination countries especially in the Middle
East in order to have a better understanding and research on labour issues.
SDPI Team participated in National Consultation of ILO on “Role of
Subagents in foreign employment recruitment process”, held in Islamabad.
43
A group photo of participants of a Focal Group Discussion
at Pakistani-German Facilitation & Reintegration Centre (PGFRC) Head Office in Lahore.
SDPI researchers discuss welfare and protection options, investment facilitation and complaint
mechanism for overseas Pakistanis with Commissioner, Overseas Pakistanis Commission, Punjab.
Focal Person: Kashif Majeed Salik (kashif@sdpi.org)
44
Agriculture
National precision agriculture blueprint study
Timeline: November 2022 – August 2023
Introduction
The agricultural sector is critical to Pakistan's economic growth, food security, job
creation, and poverty alleviation, particularly in rural areas. It accounts for 20% of
GDP and employs approximately 40% of the labour force. Despite its significant
contribution to the country's overall economy, the agricultural sector's growth rate
has been constrained by a variety of factors such as shrinking arable land, climate
change, water shortages, and large-scale population and labour shifts from rural to
urban areas. Traditional farming methods not only raise costs due to inefficient use
of farm inputs, but also make farming unprofitable.
Farmers require proper crop scheduling based on technological insight or visibility
to soil conditions, weather forecast, suitability of fertilizers/pesticides based on the
spatial and temporal requirements through focused interventions. This may help
reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, as well as increase sustainable
and environment-friendly agricultural practises.
Precision agriculture (P-Ag) technologies have the potential to greatly improve
economic efficiency and rice crop production. P-Ag technologies such as ICTs,
IoT, mobile applications, GPS/GIS, and UAVs, etc. can effectively assist farmers
in decision-making in fertilizer and seed application, pest control, irrigation, and
machinery operation.
SDPI sees this opportunity as part of a broader agenda for agricultural growth in
the country as envisioned by the Agriculture Transformation Plan's 'Mechanization'
component. It will also help increase agricultural productivity to levels comparable
to other regional and developed countries.
In this backdrop, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive study to analyze the
prospects of P-Ag in Pakistan. The study is being conduted in collaboration with
National Agricultural Space Technology Policy and Applications Centre- Agricultural
Cooperation Project (NASTP-ACP)
Expected outcome of the study
More specifically, the study will provide:
• Mapping and analysis of stakeholders (from government, industry, farmers;
•
supply chain handlers, ICT solution providers, and academia) to be involved in
45
the precision agriculture interventions (Research, Development, Outreach etc.)
in agriculture sector of Pakistan;
• Avenues for new job opportunities through the introduction of service layer and
•
•
analysis of suitable business model(s) for the service industry of P-Ag;
Identification of skill gap and skill development plan for development,
operationalization, and maintenance of high-tech P-Ag technologies;
Implementation and coordination strategies at provincial level with
corresponding economic impact analysis with special consideration to Public
Private Partnership arrangements;
• Analysis of commercial potential of GreenAI’s indigenously developed
components of a P-Ag system;
• Comprehensive business plan and Go-to-Market strategy for GreenAI based P-Ag
solutions.
Focal Persons: Kashif Salik (kashif@sdpi.org)
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Health and Education
Supporting government in establishing policy direction
aligned with MPOWER on smokeless tobacco control, GHW/
PHW, and Next Generation Tobacco Products
Timeline: March 2021 to February 2023
Introduction
Pakistan falls among the top 10 countries in the world where tobacco use is highest.
Successful campaigns for reducing tobacco use show that increased taxation,
Pictorial and Graphic Health Warnings (PHW/GHWs) on tobacco/cigarette packets
increase risk perceptions, reduce the appeal of tobacco use and promote smoking
cessation. Major problems in Pakistan include lack of understanding and absence of
policy regarding Novel Nicotine & Tobacco Products (such as E-cigarettes, and Heat-
no-Burn products).
Is the SDPI Partner in the study Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Union against
Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Under this project, SDPI proposes to facilitate the tobacco control policies and laws
regarding GHW/PHW, smokeless tobacco, novel nicotine and tobacco products, and
tobacco taxation. Working closely with the government, including Tobacco Control
Cell (TCC) at the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination
on policies related to these four major areas of tobacco control. SDPI will continue
its policy efforts in order to assist the Federal Government, the Ministry and its
TCCs (national and provincial) for strengthening the tobacco control environment
in Pakistan in line with WHO MPOWER guidelines. SDPI will be building capacity
of relevant organizations and stakeholders pertinent to policy development and
47
implementation, particularly, on smokeless tobacco, GHW/PHW, and novel tobacco
products (E-Cigs, Vapes, HnB ANDS and ENDS etc.), smokeless tobacco products,
and taxation. SDPI will be supporting the government efforts at national and sub-
national level to curb the challenges, including E-cigarettes/vaping in the post
COVID-19 environment through orientations and seminars.
Objectives
• Assisting the Ministry/TCC to manage existing and emerging challenges, including
formulation of Pakistan’s strategic policy direction and guidelines on new novel
tobacco and “Smokeless Tobacco Control (SLTC) and new novel tobacco products
E-Cigs/ENDS/ANDS/HnBs, etc.”
• Collate evidences on the gaps in existing TC framework in line with MPWER of
WHO-FCTC commitments by Pakistan,
• Facilitating the national and provincial govts in sustainable tobacco control
initiative through system strengthening and building capacity of stakeholders in
post-COVID-19 environment.
Output
Under this project, six policy briefs were produced. Their topics included: Graphic
Health warnings (GHWs), taxation, vaping/e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products,
and smokeless tobacco. The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already
received the policy recommendations on Taxation. With regard to nicotine products
and electronic devices, SDPI commissioned two milestone studies. We have
shared the findings of the first study with all the stakeholders and national and
international partners. However, the work on the second study is still going on.
Impact
Every year, we provide our pre-budget policy recommendations to the Ministry of
National Health Services Regulations and Coordination on tobacco taxation. During
the fiscal year 2022, the Ministry of Finance, as a result of our recommendations,
opted for an overall tax increase of 157% on tobacco products.
48
Focal Person: Syed Ali Wasif Naqvi (wasif@sdpi.org)
49
Partnering with local actors to improve health and education
service delivery
Timeline: September 2022 - August 2023
Introduction
The project aims to improve the quality of health and education services and their
access through strengthening local development processes and promoting civic
engagement in Upper Dir district. The project will build the capacity of newly-
elected local government representatives, health care providers, teachers, members
of Parent Teachers Committees (PTCs) and Primary Health Care Management
Committees to develop citizen report cards (CRCs) as a tool to identify challenges
and collect evidence for informed decision-making, planning and resource allocation
for improved health and education service delivery. The study is being conducted in
collaboration with Palladium.
Objectives
• To strengthen civic engagement by creating sustainable opportunity platforms
for participatory local development planning for improved health and education
service delivery
• To develop innovative social accountability tools to identify, prioritize and
address gaps in health and education service delivery
Activities
Activities planned in the 1st quarter, including project launch, baseline survey,
consensus building workshops, and establishment of 15 opportunity platforms at
Tehsil, Village, and Neighbourhood level have been completed. For the continuity
and smooth execution of the planned activities under the project, SDPI engaged
MoU between Mr. Rafi Ullah, Chairman Tehsil Dir and SDPI
50
all the stakeholders including Deputy Commissioner Dir Upper, District Health
Office, District Education Office, District Population Welfare Department (PWD),
Tehsil Municipal Offices and Tehsil Chairmen from the inception of this project. As
Tehsil Chairman is responsible for development planning and budgetary allocations
for all the Village Councils (VCs)/Neighborhood Councils (NCs) falling within the
Tehsil limits, therefore, SDPI has signed MoUs with all the three selected Tehsil
Chairmen that is a stepping-stone to implement the project activities smoothly and
engage the VC/NC level participants.
Similarly, recent notification of Tehsil chairmen about Technical Committees also
reflects their ownership to adopt this participatory planning and to sustain this
practice even after the project life.
Consensus Building Workshop at Chairman Office, Tehsil Wari
During a session at its annual Sustainable Deveopment Conference, SDPI engaged
the provincial level practitioners, academicians, experts and policy makers to
generate discussion around local governance for service delivery.
Output
Gender inclusion is one of the guiding principles of this project as all the project
activities, including the baseline, consensus building workshops, trainings, and
opportunity platforms (Technical and Development Committees) are targeting to
involve female participants from start of the project to listen their issues and ensure
their voices are reflected in needs assessment. Their inclusion in committees at
Tehsil and VC/NC level is another effort towards female empowerment as at the
end of the project through better skills and capacities, female participants will be
51
able to raise their concerns at the right time and the right forums to be part of the
development planning and budgeting at local level.
As youth bring innovative ideas to the local issues with the potential to actively
participate, this project is taking youth members of the village and neighborhood
councils as members of the Development Committees at VC/NC level. From next
quarters onwards, these youth members will be trained and will participate in
committee meetings.
Focal Person: Qasim Shah (qasim@sdpi.org)
52
Sustainability and
Resilience Programme
Timeline: October 2021 - September 2023
Introduction
Sustainability and Resilience Programme caters to the one-programme approach by
undertaking research to generate evidence and based on which develop policy and
capacity building work and alliances on peacebuilding, community development,
countering violent extremism, and community resilience to climate risks/hazards.
The programme has built a network of researchers and academia from various
universities and think tanks in Pakistan to conduct research as to how the
community can develop resilience to violent extremism.
During the reporting period, the programme team finalized the already
commissioned 29 research papers on various themes of Countering Violent
Extremism (CVE) across the country. These papers have been submitted to various
research journals (national and international) by the respective authors. The
programme also commissioned and published a book of the Policy Papers on
Community Resilience to Violent Extremism. These research and policy papers
have been part of SDPI’s research grant initiative under the “Community Resilient
Research Network (CRRN)” project. The President of Pakistan, at the inaugural
ceremony of the Sustainable Development Conference 2021, officially launched the
Policy Papers Book developed under the CRRN project. The President appreciated
the work.
Programme Activities
Based upon the success of CRRN project activities, Sustainability and Resilience
Programme has acquired unsolicited funding from the same donor (Creative
Learning) as a reward for successful completion of the previous grant and to take up
the CRRN programme to the next level ‘Policy Outreach Activity’. The CRRN Policy
Senior Researchers Council (SRC) members pose for a group photo..
53
Outreach Activity (October 2022 – September 2023) focuses on evidence-
based P/CVE research influencing national policy. This will be done through well-
organized and measurable activities focused on evidence-based policy advocacy
and stakeholder mobilization. The policy advocacy and research initiatives
would ensure that the publications from CRRN reach policymakers. This time
the CRRN also includes some more members from the media, civil society, and
local government institutions in addition to the academia. Experts from across
the disciplines of Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Political
Economy, Communications, Education, Religious Studies, Psychology, Criminology,
Anthropology, and other related fields are invited to join the network.
Under the CRRN Policy Outreach Activity, a panel discussion titled: “Perspectives
on Community Resilience to Counter Violent Extremism” was organized at
SDC 2022. This panel has showcased some of the selected research papers on CVE
to learn from the insights and experiences of the research conducted by network
members. The researchers from CRRN presented their perspectives on the role of
the youth, women, and traditional institutions in building resilience to CVE.
CRRN member Dr Hussain Shaheed delivers his presentation on “Perspectives on Community
Resilience to Counter Violent Extremism”
To look at the available opportunities and challenges for the youth bulge of Pakistan,
the Sustainability and Resilience Programme organized a seminar in collaboration
with Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University on 16th May 2022 at the University
Auditorium in Quetta. The theme of the seminar was “Hamara Pakistan: Youth
Empowerment Towards Nation Building” (May 2022). Experts from academia,
civil society and political representatives shared their thoughts on the subject. The
youth (male and female) in a large number with diverse backgrounds attended
the seminar. During the event, a debating competition among the students had
also been organized in which students from different universities and colleges
participated.
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The programme also has strong working relations with various government
departments. To strengthen programme’s collaboration with these institutions,
Panelists of the seminar
a seminar on “Understanding Corruption and its Prevention from Society”
(September 2022) with the Prevention Division of the National Accountability Bureau
(NAB) was held. The objective of this activity was to generate discussion and create
awareness on this important subject. A handsome number of people from various
organizations had joined the seminar. The panelists included Dr. Bushra Yasmin
from Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Mr Zahir Shah, Deputy Chairman
NAB, Dr Kaleem Imam, former IG Police and federal secretary, Mr Majid Bashir, the
senior advocate of Supreme Court of Pakistan, Dr Najaf from NAB, and Dr Vaqar
Ahmed and Dr Shafqat Munir from SDPI had shared their views on the subject.
Deputy Chairman NAB Zahir Shah speaks at a seminar on “Understanding Corruption and its
Prevention from Society”.
The programme also organized a roundtable on “Inclusive Economic Growth;
An Imperative for 'Sustained Economic Development' - Suggested Strategy
for Pakistan" in September 2022. The purpose of this activity was to look at
some of the major risks and challenges facing the economy and to prepare some
workable proposals from the viewpoint of bringing back the focus on inclusive
growth which is associated with job creation, agriculture, and rural development,
55
and competitiveness of the small and medium enterprises. Leading scholars with
a background in the economy, agriculture, sustainability, resilience, and socio-
economic development participated in this activity.
Participants of the Roundtable
On the climate resilience part, the programme organized two fully-funded panels
titled: ‘Building Resilience through Community Engagement for ‘Building
Forward Better’ and ‘Adaptive Governance and Technology for Sustainable
Development and Disaster Risk Reduction: A Catalyst for Relational
Transformation’ at Sustainable Development Conference 2022. The programme
team undertook various research activities including a Midterm review of the
Sendai Framework in collaboration with NDMA. The SRP team also organized 7
sessions of a risk resilience serious Boardgame called the Hazagora board game
at Peshawar University with students from different backgrounds to teach them
the concept of risk, vulnerability, and resilience in a practical manner. The students
from the same group were invited to participate in another serious game called the
Extreme Events game, which teaches the importance of coordination, cooperation,
and effective resource management in the face of crisis. The project team also
initiated case studies on Budhni Nala, Peshawar, and Nowshera Flooding incidents
in 2008 and 2022 using the system dynamics approach and utilizing Causal Loop
diagrams to decode complex issues for more understanding. The outputs of the
analyses of the Hazagora game and the case studies will be incorporated into
research papers and published as appropriate.
Dr Khatau Mal Sindhi while presenting at ‘Building Resilience through Community Engagement for
‘Building Forward Better’ session
56
Similarly, the programme has also conducted a review of Pakistan’s National
Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG 12) (October
2021 - April 2022) . Out of this activity, the programme produced three research
reports titled: 1) Sustainable Consumption and Production in the Textile Sector of
Pakistan, 2) Review Study on the implementation of the National Action Plan of
Pakistan on Sustainable Consumption and Production (NAP-SCP), and 3) Mapping
of NAP-SCP in SACEP countries. The objective of this review exercise was to assess
the national action plan on sustainable consumption and production in terms of
implementation, monitoring, and reporting. Also, report the failures and success
stories. Furthermore, a way forward has been proposed for improving other phases
(Short-term 2017-2020, mid-term 2021-2025, and long-term 2026-2030) in which
NAP-SCP may be implemented in Pakistan.
Participants of SCP consultative workshop
Dr Stephen Langrell, first counselor at the delegation of EU to Pakistan, delivers special remarks.
The Sustainability and Resilience Programme has strong working relations with the
international organizations working in Pakistan. In this regard, we have organized
57
a research report launching ceremony in September 2022 to share the findings
of the Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) studies conducted in Thatta
and Chaman by The International Rescue Committee (IRC). The report launch was
followed by a panel discussion on local adaptation plans of action. Around 200
participants hailing from academia, civil society, think tanks, NGOs, INGOs, foreign
delegations, UNDP, policy analysts and researchers, and media participated in the
event. The expert panelists focused on the importance of local adaptation plans
against the devastating effects of climate change.
Dr Shakeel Hayat, Research Specialist, at Asian Development Bank,
presents the findings of LAPA study.
The team also organized a seminar on 22 September 2022 in collaboration with the
International Rescue Committee (IRC) to share the findings of IRC’s Scoping Brief
on Climate financing for WASH and engaged the experts to learn from their
valuable insights and experiences on the subject. We invited representatives from
the government departments concerned such as the Ministry of Climate Change,
National Disaster Management Authority, and Planning Commission along with
representatives from the donor agencies concerned such as the World Bank, Asian
Development Bank, Green Climate Fund, UN agencies, as well as personnel from
embassies and donor communities alike.
Panelists of WASH seminar
Focal Person: Dr Shafqat Munir (shafqat@sdpi.org)
58
COVID-induced Inequalities: Case of Pakistan
Timeline: February 2022-September 2022
Introduction
Although the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic remained neutral in a sense that it
did not discriminate between low- or high-income countries, the impact has been
observed more perilous for the countries with relatively less resources to respond
effectively. Difference in diffusion of the pandemic impact remained asymmetric not
only across the countries but also within the countries.
Pakistan could be taken as a practical example to support this argument. Available
resources to respond to pandemic are limited to provide equal opportunities to
pull all segments of this society out of this testing situation. Since the start of the
pandemic, Pakistan has been prone to two crises at the same time. On the one
hand, the economy of Pakistan was not performing well amid high current account
deficit and huge circular debt, and on the other, the exposure of the country’s
economy to Coronavirus makes the situation even worse. Timely responsive policies
of the government were proved to be successful in containing the COVID impact on
the economy. However, the policies and measures to diffuse this impact on social
indicators are not assumed to be enough for all while leaving no one behind. SDPI
conducted the study with the assistance of CAREC Institute.
Objectives
The project aimed to examine the covid induced inequalities in Pakistan in four
key areas including health, education, digital divide, and female labour force
participation. The specific objectives of the project are as under.
• What are gaps in different sectors across pre- and post-COVID times?
• How the pandemic affects the quality in of service providence in health,
education, digital access, and female labour force participation?
• What impact the pandemic brings in terms of performance quality in selected
areas?
• What kind of government policies are applied, and which has been successful in
tackling diminishing and controlling the negative impact of COVID-19 on these
sectors?
• Which policy recommendations and government interventions are should be
adopted in these selected sectors to deal with pandemic?
Findings
It was learnt that COVID-19 brought with itself various kinds of inequalities.
59
Students lacked access to digital devices during the pandemic, children and women
were at higher risk as compared to men. People living in remote areas faced
issues due to absence of internet connection, which restricted their access to vital
information during the pandemic outbreak. A sudden shift in working pattern after
the pandemic created challenges for many employment categories and affect their
ability to earn the livings, particularly those low-income households faced major
issues that rely on daily wages and manual labour.
Impact
The Ministry of Finance, and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) agreed that an ex-
post assessment of fiscal measures taken during COVID-19 may be initiated. The
assessment will help improve the design of ongoing fiscal support for population
below the poverty threshold.
Focal person: Maaz Javed (maaz@sdpi.org)
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R E S E A R C H
C O O R D I N A T I O N
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Research Coordination
Research Coordination Unit (RCU) serves as programme data repository of SDPI. It
maintains all the information in connection with research, advocacy, and capacity
building activities undertaken by the respective units. This institutional knowledge
helps the RCU team in measuring impact, branding and profiling of SDPI in the
policy-practice and larger development community. RCU also actively contribute to
enhance SDPI networking with like-minded peer organizations and development
partners at national and international level.
Besides, RCU manages different platforms for the research staff to present, discuss
and finetune their ideas/outputs in a novel way. Three platforms are the Retreats
(annual), Policy Research and Advocacy Meeting (biannual) and Brown Bag Research
Meeting (monthly).
RCU also monitors the progress of research projects viz a viz deadlines agreed
with the funding partners to ensure that the deliverables are completed within the
agreed timelines.
Internal Activities and Support to Staff
Annual Retreat and Planning Meeting - 2022
Research Coordination Unit conducted annual retreat and planning meeting for the
year 2022. The main objective of this retreat was to prepare SDPI’s broader plan of
action (covering both strategic and operational) for year 2022 and beyond for the
medium term (three years).
Policy Research and Advocacy Meeting (PRAM) July 2022
Policy, Research and Advocacy Meeting (PRAM) is a platform where staff periodically
shares the progress on research output, policy outreach, advocacy events and
financial report. The Research Coordination Unit (RCU) coordinates and facilitates
collaboration among the participating units.
All the researchers, advocacy and outreach players, as well as the core units
attended the one-day PRAM organized in July 2022. They shared their activities in
detail to reflect on successes in achieving medium term plan agreed in retreat and
challenges in the attainment of some of the agreed deliverables. Teams also shared
updates on the ongoing projects.
Working Paper Presentations and BBRMs:
In the year 2022, RCU organized three working paper presentations by research
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staff and six BBRMs.
MoUs with National and International Organizations
RCU also provided support and organized three Memorandum of Understandings
(MoUs) with national and international organizations. Those organizations are
KSI Strategic Institute for ASIA Pacific (KSI Malaysia), The Institute of Cost and
Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA International) and the Central Asia
Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC Institute).
Other Activities
Apart from the above-mentioned tasks, RCU has been actively working with Web
Unit to bring improvement to the Institution’s operational activities on the website.
RCU, since the launch of the centralized staff database, is managing information for
all current and past projects which provide great support in finding most relevant
information required to submit new funding proposals.
Focal person: Hassan Murtaza Syed (hassanmurtaza@sdpi.org)
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R E S E A R C H
N E T W O R K S
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Climate Action Network South Asia
During the last two decades, the world has witnessed a sharp increase in internal
migration because of disasters particularly floods and earthquakes. In 2019, conflict
and disasters have triggered 33.4 million new internal displacements across 145
countries and territories. In Pakistan, 100,000 displacements occurred between
January 1st and December 31st in rural areas. It is usually observed that when
livelihoods of people are devastated by climate change in the rural areas, they
migrate urban areas to earn money for their food.
In this backdrop, civil society organizations in in the region formed Climate Action
Network South Asia (CANSA) in 2019. CANSA is a network of more than 200 CSOs
working on climate change issue in South Asia. SDPI Executive Director, Dr Abid
Qaiyum Suleri was elected the co-chair of the network.
Objective
The purpose of the network is to build solidarity for migrants and displaced
communities due to climate through evidence-based research and sensitizing media
and policy makers about migration due to climate change in Pakistan.
Focal Person: Dr Hina Aslam (hinaaslam@sdpi.org)
Renewable Energy Parliamentary Caucus
To strengthen the policy support hand to transition towards clean and green energy,
SDPI formed “Renewable Energy Parliamentary Caucus”. This caucus aims to bring
together all parliamentarians from both Senate and National Assembly to mobilize
their rightful role in giving political impetus to Improving legislations and financing
for renewable energy, policy oversight, and collaboration and coordination with
the government, oversight bodies and organizations promoting the clean energy
transition.
Focal Person: Dr Hina Aslam
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Network for Clean Energy Transition in Pakistan
Partner: European Climate Foundation
Energy and climate change are the core challenges for Pakistan. If not addressed
properly, they can easily jeopardize sustainable development in the country.
Pakistan has an estimated annual adaptation need of $6-14 billion for the clean
energy transition whereas it would require a total of $101 billion by 2030. Considering
these issues, the NCET is envisioned to bring along all the visionary stakeholders to
address the risks posed by climate change and deliver a smooth transition to a low-
carbon economy.
Objectives
To engage and facilitate stakeholders in Pakistan’s clean energy transition debate
pertinent to uptake of Variable Renewable Energy sources (solar and wind), energy
efficiency and conservation, Transmission and Distribution networks, off-grid
systems, and decarbonization in (and beyond) the power sector.
• To identify the key elements missing from Pakistan’s near and long-term energy
sector planning.
• To build capacity around the challenges and opportunities for corporate sector
in setting their net-zero targets and mainstreaming sustainability into their
development agendas.
• To identify the green financing opportunities & consult on development priorities
for green infrastructure in Pakistan.
• To identify the technically and economically feasible solutions for renewable
energy uptake in Pakistan. Market barriers along with renewable energy
adoption challenges that can be addressed through the support of policies and
regulations
• To promote technical knowledge on policy planning for cleaner, accessible, and
reliable energy while advocating gender equality and social inclusion
• To summarize key findings and insights on technology transfer for curbing
greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change
• To develop and propose a framework to share the newly emerging green
technologies, practices, and low carbon solutions
• To increase sectoral, inter-provincial, & international collaborations to reduce
the electricity cost and secure the grid
• To do green financing on green bonds, sustainable finance instruments, and
tools to stimulate and enhance private sector investments to support our efforts
to a green economy of Pakistan.
Focal Person: Dr Hina Aslam Dr Hina Aslam (hinaaslam@sdpi.org)
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National Network of Economic Thinktanks – Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Chapter
Partner: National Network of Economic Think Tanks
The project kicked off in 2018. In continuation of the network, a provincial chapter
for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was created and nominations were called from public
sector universities along with stakeholders from public and private sector. For
the initial year, a survey will be conducted, which will pave the ways for the future
direction of the project, leading to provision of evidence-based advocacy on the
better business regulatory environment in Pakistan. The programme will be
conducted in a tailored international good and best practices of the public private
dialogue (PPD). The practices have been developed based on the recommendations
of the network members.
Objectives
• To provide a platform for the Public & Private Sector to demonstrate increased
engagement on issues related to better business regulatory framework in
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• The key-focus is on “Better Business Regulatory Environment in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa” in terms of research and advocacy.
• Establishment of the network of economic think-tanks- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Chapter.
• Creation of evidence on better business regulatory environment in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa
• Division-wise Public-private dialogues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including special
focus on marginalized communities, Afghanistan-Pakistan trade, and newly
merged districts.
• Capacity building of small business associations.
Output
The network is providing a continued support to Peshawar Chamber of Small
Traders and Small Industry in their capacity building in research. Besides, the
network has a collaboration with members from government, private sector, and
academia.
Focal Person: Ahad Nazir (ahad@sdpi.org)
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Community Resilience Research Network
The concept of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) alongside peace, development
and resilience has emerged as part of a modern approach to counter extremism
and terrorism. Through CVE, we can cope with the threats to peace and security
paving the way for a prosperous and resilient society.
Community Resilience Research Network is a network of researchers and academics
based in the Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad, who seek to
advance knowledge on how to build community resilience to counter violent
extremism.
One of the measures for countering violent extremism is holding dialogue in the
form of both theory and practice followed by research.
Objectives
To strengthen research activities and build sustainable networks of researchers and
thought leaders focused on building community resilience to Violent Extremism (VE)
in Pakistan.
Network Structure
The network has three bodies, i.e. Project Advisory Board (PAB), Senior Research
Council (SRC) and three Local Chapters (LCs), one each in Islamabad/Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh. The PAB oversees the project implementation
strategy, SRC develops guidelines and ensures the strategic development of
activities besides acting as academic supervisors, peer-reviewers, and mentors for
the members of their chapters. Chapters comprise the academics and researchers
to participate in CVE discussions.
Focal Person: Dr Shafqat Munir (shafqat@sdpi.org)
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P O L I C Y
A D V O C A C Y &
O U T R E A C H
69
SDPI’s Twenty-fifth Sustainable
Development Conference
Sustainable Development in Unusual
Times: Building Forward Better
5 – 8 December 2022
Islamabad, Pakistan
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Recap of Silver Jubilee Sustainable Development Conference
Sustainable Development Conference is the mega event of SDPI which is held
annually in December. This year, the Institute held its Twenty-fifth Sustainable
Development Conference (25th SDC) from 5 – 8 December 2022 in Islamabad. The
overarching theme of the Silver Jubilee Conference was Sustainable Development
in Unusual Times: Building Forward Better. The mega event was held in a hybrid
format where speakers/audience were able to join in person as well as online.
Alongside SDC 2022, SDPI also hosted UNESCAP’s Sixth South and South-West
Asia Forum (SSWAF) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This mega-
event was jointly co-hosted by SDPI and the Ministry of Planning Development &
Special Initiatives. The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) is
an inclusive regional intergovernmental forum, which supports the preparations
for the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) 2023. ESCAP resolution 73/1 indicates that
the theme of the APFSD is aligned with the theme of the HLPF and supported an
in-depth discussion of the cluster of SDGs under review at the HLPF. The focus of
HLPF 2023 include SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation); SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean
Energy); SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure); SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities &
Communities); and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The 25th SDC and UNESCAP’s Sixth South and South-West Asia Forum was attended
by 345 panellists from 21 countries/region. Speakers joined the sessions from
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Germany,
India, Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand,
Turkey, the UK, and the USA. All the sessions had a keen and interactive audience.
The President of Pakistan, H.E. Dr Arif Alvi, was the chief guest at a special plenary
on the last day of the conference. Altogether a total of 46 sessions were organized
of which 11 were plenary sessions while 35 were concurrent sessions. An audience
of over 5,000 attended the four-day hybrid conference.
The latest SDC Anthology titled “Beyond the Pandemic: Leaving No One Behind”,
jointly published by SDPI and Sang-e-Meel, was also launched on the occasion of the
SDC 2022. The anthology is available for download at https://sdpi.org/sdconference/
sustainable-development-in-the-unusual-times-building-forward-better/publications
Each SDC is about reaching policymakers and stakeholders to share with them
key policy recommendations. As done so in the previous conferences, policy
recommendations from the panels and plenary sessions were communicated to the
decision-makers. Key policy recommendations can be viewed at
https://sdpi.org/sdconference/sustainable-development-in-the-unusual-times-
building-forward-better/policy-recommendations
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SDC 2022 Overarching Theme
After the COVID-19 pandemic, it was expected that the world will be in a state of ‘New
Normal’, however, a plethora of crises has become a hallmark of that new normal.
These crises can be best described as ‘triple-C crises’, i.e.
•
•
•
Conflict (within and across borders)
Climate Change; and
Consequences of COVID-19
The cumulative effect of these crises has led to multi-decade high inflation,
recession, and food and fuel predicaments. Although the world escaped a recession
during the pandemic, economic slowdown left scarring effects on low- and middle-
income countries.
Post-pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, political turmoil in many developing
countries and tension between the United States and China have also reshaped the
world order. Furthermore, climate breakdown has exacerbated the socioeconomic
crises in the form of extreme meteorological events, which are ultimately becoming
disasters. While the pandemic is phasing out, the world is now passing through
‘Unusual Times’ with issues that are no longer a future problem, rather they are
happening now and demand immediate action. As the international community
struggles to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as per Agenda
2030, it is important to address these challenges and work out solutions through
collective wisdom to ‘Build Forward Better.’
The multidimensional, multifaceted issues mentioned under the overarching SDC
2022 theme discussed the following streams during the Silver Jubilee:
SDC 2022 Thematic Streams
Stream 1: Economic Meltdown
The hopes of post-COVID-19 economic recovery have been shattered by the Russia-
Ukraine war, which is plunging the world into a recession. Owing to faster than
expected recovery from COVID-19, global commodity prices were already increasing
because of high demand. However, the war magnified energy and food prices, thus
leading the world into inflation.
South Asian countries have directly faced the tidal effects of this conflict because
the countries were still recovering from the pandemic when they were pushed
towards record levels of inflation. During COVID-19, many South Asian countries
including Pakistan, introduced social protection reforms to support people during
the lockdowns and help them recover from the economic crises. However, due to
the shockwave of the Russia-Ukraine war, the region is experiencing slower growth
and high inflation. The SDC 2022 aims to bring together experts, academics, and
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development partners from South Asia and beyond to discuss these issues and
propose practical and viable solutions.
This stream was especially important because it also recapped the major
achievements and lessons learnt in Pakistan and India that are celebrating 75 years
of independence.
Stream 2: Achieving SDGs amidst Unusual Times
The interlinkages and integrated nature of the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) are of crucial importance in ensuring ecological well-being and socioeconomic
development in the world. Environmental deterioration eventually affects economic
growth, thus amplifies socio-political crises. Climate change has placed compounded
stress on environment, economy and societies and has increased extreme weather
events like heat waves, droughts, water scarcity, food, and energy insecurity. Hence,
it is vital to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Keeping this in view, the 25th SDC
highlighted the need for global solidarity for taking action to mitigate climate change
and shared struggle for achieving the SDGs.
SDPI’s 25th SDC provided a platform to re-assess and discuss the gaps in policy,
research and development and how global communities can act together in these
testing times to improve the status of SDGs for achieving Agenda 2030.
Stream 3: Striving for a Common Future in a Polarised World
The world has become polarised following the war between Russia and Ukraine.
However, there are also conflicts not only across borders but also within borders.
The socioeconomic and climatic instabilities in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan,
and other countries in the region are due to lack of regional cooperation. Amid
this situation, multilateral development lenders have warned of a long recession.
Our common future is under threat. However, the multipolar world has negatively
affected the efficiency and effectiveness of global governance.
Experts at the Silver Jubilee SDC explored options for adopting a minimalistic agenda
through collaboration and partnerships for achieving sustainable development.
Speakers discussed global governance issues, including conflict, peace, and security,
Besides, they highlighted how countries are coping with the recession and how they
are aiming to rebound. During COVID-19, social protection policies were introduced
to address poverty and other socioeconomic crises. Social Protection was, therefore,
an important part of the debate during the 25th SDC.
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SDC 2021 Anthology: Book Blurb
Beyond the Pandemic: Leaving No One Behind
For every think tank, providing quality
policy inputs through informed research,
objective analyses and dialogue is raison
d ’ e t r e . T h e S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t
Policy Institute (SDPI) is no different and its
annual Sustainable Development anthology
encapsulates all the areas on which SDPI has
worked during the year and the key policy
directions needed on national, regional,
and global issues affecting Sustainable
Development. Policy imperatives that have
been the main impetus of all the chapters in
this volume include (but are not limited to)
the need to:
Develop a digital economy and a Digital
Silk Road in Pakistan under a whole-of-
government framework.
Adopt a robust public-oriented green policy to enhance adaptation capacity of
vulnerable communities to prepare them for climate-induced risks.
Commit public sector financing to green infrastructure through robust valuation of
biodiversity and climate risks.
Create a national ‘Social Protection Council’ & initiate social protections schemes
around the inclusion and participation of local communities.
Improve food system resilience in South Asian countries through the digitalization
of food supply chains, social safety nets for farmers and better access to farm credit
and storage facilities.
Add a chapter in the Constitution of Pakistan that provides a detailed explanation
of devolving powers to the lowest tier of local government & reform the Local
Government System so that voices of the marginalized are heard.
Re-envision nano and micro finance structures in urban and rural areas.
Focus on financial inclusion of youth for economic empowerment through skills
development, vocational training, entrepreneurship support & political participation.
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Invest in strengthening labour emigration and migrant protection policies to be able to respond
more effectively to major external shocks.
Adopt a multistakeholder approach to make the public policymaking process gender inclusive.
Execute existing laws to tackle Gender-Based Violence rather than designing new ones.
Address policy gaps around issues such as violence & extremism through a multistakeholder
engagement approach.
Implement the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO
FCTC).
Integrate intersectionality approaches in humanitarian response programmes to identify and
support the most marginalised sections of society.
Have a broader focus on Research and Development (R&D) and joint learning through inter-
country coordination to achieve the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
SDPI’s Silver Jubilee Sustainable Development Conference was held in partnership with:
Focal Person: Uzma T. Haroon (uzma@sdpi.org)
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Advocacy and
Outreach Programmes
Advocacy and Outreach unit is one of the basic pillars of SDPI programming as
well as other campaigning and lobbying activities. Its role has a primal importance
in disseminating policy research and other activities of the institution. It also
contributes to creating a positive impact on the society by initiating thoughtful
debates on matters pertaining to sustainable development such as environment
and climate change, food security, energy, economy, poverty alleviation, countering
violent extremism, etc.
Event(s)
Monday Seminars
Webinars
Project Seminars
Conference
Roundtables
Training workshops
Distinguished Lectures
Book/Report Launches
Living Legend Award (Nasreen Kasuri)
MoUs (signed with NIMA, ICMA, EDGE, KSI)
Miscellaneous Events*
Number
14
15
13
1
4
4
4
6
1
4
12
During the year 2022, the Advocacy Unit organized around 70 hybrid seminars,
webinars, workshops, distinguished lectures, books & reports launches,
contemporary issues of public interest, including agriculture and food security,
climate change and environment, education, etc. The table below gives a glimpse of
the events organized during the year 2022.
*These events were organized in collaboration with Ministry of Climate Change,
Planning Commission of Pakistan, Parliamentary SDGs Secretariat, National
Accountability Bureau, International Rescue Committee, United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Economic and Social Commission
for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), etc.
Through an effective engagement strategy during the year 2022, the Advocacy
Unit was able to reach out to around 1600 people, including parliamentarians, civil
servants, diplomats, development practitioners, researchers, members of academia,
students, and youths. Over 3,000 people participated in these events virtually from
Pakistan and abroad through Zoom links. Besides many people watched these
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events live on SDTV and other social media platforms of SDPI. The Advocacy Unit
also successfully managed to engage experts from different walks of life, including
federal and provincial ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, development
practitioners, and public office-bearers.
The Advocacy Unit through strong connections with journalists and media houses,
further managed to secure space in leading national and international newspapers
and online news websites. From January to December 2022, SDPI reports and press
releases were published 376 times in leading newspapers and on news websites.
In 2022, Advocacy Unit also produced and disseminated press release of all
sessions and plenaries of the 25th Sustainable Development Conference 2022. All
these press releases were uploaded on the SDPI website. Details of some of the
events organized by the advocacy unit are as under.
Adopting Single National Curriculum: Challenges and Opportunities for
Pakistan
Webinar: January 24, 2022
Pakistan being a heterogeneous society needs a diverse education system backed
by reforms to cater for changing societal requirements, said experts. They suggested
that the reform agenda must go beyond curriculum development and address the
changing needs of the society. They stressed that the educational reforms must be
designed in consultation with the stakeholders at policy and administrative level and
must enhance the capacity of teachers.
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• https://islamabadpost.com.pk/pakistan-needs-diverse-education-system-
reforms-experts/
• https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/pakistan-needs-diverse-education-
system-refo-1455600.html
• https://centreline.com.pk/2022/01/25/pakistan-needs-diverse-education-system-
reforms-experts/
• https://dnanews.com.pk/pakistan-needs-diverse-education-system-reforms-
experts/
• https://sabahnews.net/english/news/pakistan-needs-diverse-education-system-
reforms-say-experts-during-sdpi-webinar/
The Afghanistan Impact - Security Threats to Pakistan Confirmation
Webinar: February 03, 2022
Humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which can undermine the security of Pakistan
and will have spillover impact on the region, should be resolved immediately,
speakers said. They warned that the lingering crisis may increase refugees influx to
Pakistan, cause food shortages and renew militancy especially in Balochistan. “We
must proceed with caution within our own country, they suggested and emphasized
that the need for engaging some selected people from the previous Afghan
government. They also called for holding fair and free elections in Afghanistan, or at
least restore Afghan jirga to legitimize the Taliban regime as the representative of
the state.
• https://pakobserver.net/afghan-humanitarian-crisis-may-pose-security-threat-
to-pakistan/
• https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/931220-afghan-crisis-could-be-a-security-
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threat-to-pakistan
• https://leadpakistan.com.pk/news/afghan-humanitarian-crisis-may-be-a-
security-threat-to-pakistan-experts/
• https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/afghan-humanitarian-crisis-can-be-
security-th-1463041.html
Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Seminar: (March 08, 2022)
Highlighting the widening gender gap in the country, speakers emphasized the need
for increasing the capacity of women in labour market and creating an enabling
environment for them to protect them from exogenous shocks as a result of
climate events and pandemics. They agreed that women are more vulnerable to the
shocks, which is evident from reports suggesting loss of employment was doubled
for women compared to men during COVID-19. They called for mainstreaming
gender response in the agricultural practices to increase their contribution to
household income and elevate their financial domestic burdens. They also called for
mainstreaming the role and participation of women in all professions, particularly in
policy making and leadership.
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• https://tribune.com.pk/story/2346889/speakers-call-for-giving-more-space-to-
womenfolk
• https://lahoreherald.com/latest/43432-speakers-demand-for-giving-more-space-
to-womenfolk/
• https://centreline.com.pk/2022/03/07/more-space-to-women-needed-for-
development-of-society-speakers-%EF%BF%BC/
• https://islamabadpost.com.pk/more-space-to-women-needed-for-development-
of-society-speakers/
• https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/more-space-to-women-needed-for-
development-of-1480930.html
Illegal Construction in Water Bodies in Peri Urban Areas of Islamabad
Seminar (October 03, 2022)
Robust monitoring and implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
is needed to prevent urban flooding and threat to ecosystems and biodiversity,
experts said. They suggested that the authorities concerned must ensure strict
adherence to master plans and EIA to ensure that cities expand sustainability and
prevent ecological damage. They emphasized that land-use planning and EIAs
should not only be restricted to urban centers but also robustly observed in the
peri-urban areas to ensure safe and sustainable living for all.
• https://www.nation.com.pk/19-Jul-2022/civic-bodies-coordination-must-to-avert-
illegal-constructions-encroachments-experts
• https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/975347-eia-compliance-vital-to-stop-
environmental-degradation
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• https://newsman.pk/eia-compliance-vital-to-stop-environmental-degradation-
experts-assert/
• https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2022/07/18/civic-bodies-coordination-
accountability-must-to-avert-illegal-constructions-encroachments-experts/
Role of population density in exacerbating climate impacts
Webinar (October 03, 2022)
Climate change discourse is dominated by mitigation and overlooks population
growth dynamics in adaptation and resilience, experts said. With one third of
Pakistan submerged under water, it must be the last wakeup call and the climate
stressors should no longer be ignored. They stressed that 65 million people in
Pakistan from poor to extremely poor households live in agro-climate zones, which
are severely affected by climate risks. They urged the government to develop
climate resilient infrastructure and devise comprehensive policies on climate change
and its nexus with population. They also called for increasing awareness to break
social taboos and access to quality family planning services for population control,
healthier pregnancies, and children.
• https://dailytimes.com.pk/1006957/reducing-carbon-by-curbing-population-key-
to-sustainable-life-experts/
• https://www.nation.com.pk/04-Oct-2022/cut-in-rising-population-to-help-reduce-
carbon-emissions-experts
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Precision Agriculture and AI technologies in Pakistan: Prospects and
Opportunities
Panel Discussion (October 17, 2022)
Experts agreed that adopting modern technologies and AI systems for data driven
interventions by farmers is crucial for sustainable production and consumption of
agricultural resources to respond to contemporary challenges. They highlighted
that adoption of AI in lower income communities in Pakistan is hurdled by socio-
economic constraints, land rights issues and lack of awareness, low skills, and
knowledge of modern practices and technologies. Elucidating that AI can potentially
reduce global agricultural emissions, lower input costs, and ensure higher
nutritional value of produce, they called for government interventions to increase
inclusivity and accessibility of these technologies to small farmers through imports
and indigenous manufacturing and create self-sustainable profitable market models
to ensure this transition.
• https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1000410-precision-agriculture-key-to-
sustainability-and-food-security
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Poverty Eradication and Food Security in Pakistan
Seminar (October 17, 2022)
Triple-C crisis is a threat to food security with four million people are in phase 4 of
famine in Pakistan, said experts. “We are in a perfect storm” and must utilize this as
an opportunity to reset, reconstruct and rebuild and address all these inequalities
and deficiencies,” they said. They urged the international community to support the
victims of climate change without causing them indignation as they are essentially
victims of actions of the developed countries. To counter the threat of poverty and
food insecurity, they called for improving policy for food management, storage and
pricing, rebuilding better institutional infrastructures, tailoring farming models,
practices and crop types to Pakistan’s climate and local realities and educate
farmers on the need to transform the traditional practices.
• https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1002290-nation-s-dignity-should-not-be-
compromised-while-seeking-aid
• https://www.dawn.com/news/1716033
• https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/around-16-pc-people-face-acute-food-
insecurity-in-pakistan-fao-official20221021210336/
• https://sabahnews.net/english/news/nations-dignity-should-not-be-
compromised-while-seeking-support-for-flood-victims-dr-abid-qaiyum-suleri/
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Indus to Sharam ul Shiekh with Dr Adil Najam
Special Lecture (October 24, 2022)
Discussing the developments in connection with climate change in the backdrop of
CoP-26, Dr Adil Najam said that “the global community needs to listen to climate,
as climate is no longer a future issue; CoP-26 is a window of opportunity to restrict
temperature hike within 1.5 oC. For Pakistan, he said, the issue of climate change is
truly existential, economic and ecological. Pakistan must take the role of provider
of the climate change agenda and the not receiver, he said, adding that “It is not
the lack of financial resources but the will to make substantial effort to reduce
emissions particularly by the industrialized and developed countries.” He suggested
that Pakistan’s climate diplomacy must move from “additionality to talk on loss and
damage, from mitigation outsourcing to climate adaptation as development and
from climate assistance to climate justice.”
• https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1003647-global-north-urged-to-fulfil-its-
commitment-of-carbon-reduction
• https://dailytimes.com.pk/1018195/experts-urge-global-north-to-fulfil-its-
commitment-of-carbon-reduction/
• https://www.bu.edu/pardeeschool/2022/10/25/najam-delivers-sdpi-lecture-on-
climate-change-from-a-pakistan-perspective/
• https://www.bu.edu/pardeeschool/2022/10/25/najam-delivers-sdpi-lecture-on-
climate-change-from-a-pakistan-perspective/
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Solar Radiation Modification
Distinguished Guest Lecture (December 15, 2022)
Janos Pazstor, Executive Director, Carnegie Climate Governance Initiative (C2G), said
that climate change and its associated risks are increasing in intensity. He said the
scientists believe that we are on the trajectory of overshooting 1.5 oC heating target,
therefore, scientific ideas for mitigating this crisis must be brought to the agenda of
United Nations General Assembly. “While solar radiation management technologies
like Surface Albedo Modification, marine cloud brightening, and stratospheric
aerosol scattering etc. are not the solutions to climate change and come with their
risks, they must be considered as time buying strategies with climate change posing
an existential threat.” He emphasized that they could undermine the need for
climate action, emission reduction and behavioural changes, therefore, embedding
their governance with a multi-lateral institution like United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) can potentially improve their governance as well as compliance
to other environmental targets and commitments.
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Recognizing the contribution of Mrs Nasreen Kasuri for education
sector
Living Legend Award (June 01, 2022)
Continuing its tradition of bestowing Living Legend Award upon visionary individuals,
who have achieved excellence in diverse fields, SDPI honoured the services of Mrs
Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri for the promotion of quality education in the country.
She not only introduced a unique education model in the country that led to the
growth of the education sector but also played an integral role in promoting female
employment as well.
• https://www.dawn.com/news/1692655
• https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2022/06/01/eminent-educationist-nasreen-
kasuri-gets-prestigious-living-legend-award/
• https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/962743-living-legend-award-nasreen-kasuri-
awarded-for-her-services-to-education
• https://www.brecorder.com/news/40177905/award-conferred-on-beaconhouse-
founder
Focal Person: Moazzam Bhatti (moazzam@sdpi.org)
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Stainable Development
Television (SDTV)
Sustainable Development Television (SDTV) is a web-based television owned by
Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI). It also provides quality video
production facilities to government, non government, international development
agencies and corporate sector organizations.
Since its inception in 2011, it regularly producing short video packages,
documentaries and talk shows on issues related to sustainable development. In a
short span of time, SDTV has developed its internal core production facility, which
includes a studio, lighting system, cameras, sound mixers, switchers and other
essential production equipment.
In addition, SDTV also provides live streaming and broadcasting services to its
valued customers for greater outreach and advocacy. Through SDTV, the SDPI
reaches out to wider groups of public and private sector professionals.
Focal Person: Tahir Dhindsa (tahir@sdpi.org)
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Social Media
Sustainable Development Policy Institute uses social media very actively and at a
large scale. Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are the platforms
with huge following. On Facebook and twitter, we have thousands of followers, while
quite a large audience one can see at other platforms as well. Followers include
researchers, policy makers, think tanks, private sector, authors, students, teachers,
professionals, and business community. More than 2600K impressions we earned
on average on twitter. To engage more we have our android and IOS application
to keep audience updated with our events, publications and annual sustainable
development conference updates.
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Publications
English Publication Unit
Following the standard of international research publications, the English
Publication Unit is responsible for documenting and disseminating the Institute’s
research publications while holding the policy research and policy advocacy
together. Besides, it is also responsible for maintaining the research and editorial
quality of the publications. The unit also acts as a tool of outreach and advocacy
with stakeholders. All the publications, including Research Papers, Working Papers
and Policy Briefs are peer reviewed by a panel of researchers and academics, as well
as screened through Higher Education Commission’s plagiarism software. After a
thorough technical review, all these publications undergo a rigorous editing process.
An English Editorial Board has also been set up to supervise the research quality of
the research papers., which provides guidelines to authors and referees as well. In
addition, the unit is also responsible for an editorial review of the institute’s other
publications, including annual reports, project publications, policy documents, etc.
Focal Person: Saleem Khilji (khilji@sdpi.org)
Urdu Publication Unit
Urdu Publication Unit is engaged in translating books, articles, project
questionnaires and research papers of the Institute which are published inhouse
or in International journals. Moreover, it also publishes Urdu periodicals, including
newsletter and Urdu journal in the names of Dharti (Land), and Paidar Taraqee
(Sustainable Development). respectively. Urdu publications are meant for wider
local awareness raising and dissemination of research at grass roots level. The unit
also undertakes translation work from other organizations and individuals as well.
Focal Person: Ahmad Salim
Journal of Development Policy, Research & Practice
ISSN 2522-3410
E-ISSN 2663-3698
Journal of Development Policy, Research & Practice, SDPI’s transdisciplinary
scholarly annual journal, recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of
Pakistan under Y category, aims to provide a diverse array of research and working
papers, policy briefs, and argumentative essays on issues pertaining to sustainable
development. Published since 2017, the Journal’s subject areas include themes
from sustainable livelihoods to social sector development; from inclusive economic
growth to institutional governance; from energy economics to climate change; from
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food in/security, water and human security to education; from sustainable industrial
growth to resilient development; from religious tolerance to peace and gender
equity.
All volumes of the Journal may be downloaded from https://journal.sdpi.org/.
The latest Journal volume 6 - 2022 features
the following papers:
• Planning and Economic Coordination
C h a l l e n g e s a f t e r t h e 1 8 t h
Constitutional Amendment - Pervez
Tahir and Nadia Tahir
• Decentralization and Quality of Fiscal
Management: Empirical Evidence from
Pakistan - Asif Razzaq, Rabia Nazir and
Sundus Shaheen
• R e l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n H e a l t h ,
Education and Labour Productivity
in South Asia - Aqsa Mehmood, Hafiz
Muhammad Abubakar Siddique and
Romila Qamar
• Socio-Cultural Capital and Community
Resilience: Perception of University
Students about Violent Extremism in
Pakistan - Adeela Rehman and Malik
Ghulam Behlol
• Attitude of University Students towards the Teaching Profession in Pakistan: A
Case of Public Sector Universities - Misbah Akhtar, Huma Nawaz and Farrukh
Munir
Impact of Climate Change on Individual and Community Mental Health - Emaan
Atif
•
Editors
Editor-in-Chief: Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri
Managing Editor: Uzma T. Haroon
Managing Associate Editor: Imrana Niazi
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Ahmed Salim Resource
Centre
Ahmed Salim Resource Centre (ASRC) serves as an information base for the multi-
disciplinary research at SDPI. It is open to general public, students, academia and
research scholars in the country and abroad. The center with 35,000 quality books,
journals/magazines and other valuable documents is one of the biggest information
resources in the entire development sector in Pakistan.
In addition, digital files as well as online resources in the different areas of
sustainable development, including environment, economic growth, energy,
livelihood, gender, agriculture, social development, and the current hot issues like
CPEC. There is an exclusive section for government data publications.
The Centre also provides the reading facilities of local, regional, and international
journals and periodicals to subscribers. It receives more than 110 serials, including
journals, periodicals, newsletters and weekly newspapers. Additional resources
are available through Inter-Library Loan Programme and Publication Exchange
Programme. ASRC strives to provide information and knowledge to library can be
accessed for downloading and retrieving research on different themes from across
the world through subscription and registration. We are in the process of setting
up a library portal (OPAC) Networking To enhance an access to information, the
ASRC knowledge bank networks with national and regional thematically coherent
organizations. The ASRC’s “Publication Exchange Program” has a fraternity of 100
organizations/universities. Under this programme, SDPI publications are exchanged
with books and other materials published by the partner organizations. The ASRC
has a formal Inter-Library Loan arrangement with Pakistani libraries in Islamabad,
Karachi, and Lahore. Besides, ASRC facilitates access to various databases (e.g., HEC
Digital Library, got VPN from Comsats Library databases as well as E-Library Punjab,
World Bank) and online journals, enabling the researchers to consult and compare
their work with that of contemporary researchers of their relevant fields. Ahmed
Salim Resource Centre facilitate researchers and development practitioners what
want to conduct research on sustainable development issues in Pakistan. It has
grown over the years evolving into an effective coherent mechanism of acquisition,
processing, organization, creation, and dissemination of information. It undertakes
the following tasks:
• Select and acquire appropriate resource/research information.
• Organize electronically the research information for easy access and use.
• Advise and assist people in searching through relevant databases „
•
Information dissemination through publications such as periodicals/
E-newsletters, books, papers, etc.
• Network with libraries and information/ documentation centers
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E/Digital/Smart Library
To facilitate the academia and development sector in Pakistan, SDPI knowledge bank
is going online. Now, the library can be accessed for downloading and retrieving
research on different themes from across the world through subscription and
registration. We are in the process of setting up a library portal (OPAC)
Networking
To enhance an access to information, the ASRC knowledge bank networks with
national and regional thematically coherent organizations. The ASRC’s “Publication
Exchange Program” has a fraternity of 100 organizations/universities. Under this
programme, SDPI publications are exchanged with books and other materials
published by the partner organizations. The ASRC has a formal Inter-Library
Loan arrangement with Pakistani libraries in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
Besides,ASRC facilitates access to various databases (e.g., HEC Digital Library, got
VPN from Comsats Library databases as well as E-Library Punjab, World Bank) and
online journals, enabling the researchers to consult and compare their work with
that of contemporary researchers of their relevant fields.
Focal Person: Ali Aamir (aliaamer@sdpi.org)
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Nasir Khan-MIS Web
Unit
The Web unit of Nasir Khan Management Information System (NK-MIS) has
recently revamped its website keeping in view the requirement of modern-day
communication. It showcases day-to-day works of the Institute. The unit deals
with design, development, management and maintenance of websites and web
applications. It also facilitates video conferencing and live streaming during SDPI
events. With a vision to become a professional web development and solution-
oriented team by effectively utilizing SDPI information, resources, and emerging
technologies, it works to empower the institute with result-oriented and quality
applications and services.
Focal Person: Manzoor Ahmed (manzoor@sdpi.org)
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C E N T R E S O F
E X C E L L E N C E
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Centres for Learning
and Development
Centre for Learning and Development (CLD) is one of the high repute learning
centre of the institute, which offers different trainings for professionals and leading
institutions. These trainings mainly relate to organizational development, future
leaders grooming, and emerging trends in sustainable development.
The centre was established in 1992 by Brig. Mohammad Yasin (Retired) as the
Training Unit to cater for the needs of the young researchers of the institute as
well as government officials for their continuing professional development (CPD).
Because of its high-quality results and outcomes, later the demand from other
institutions goaded on the Institute to launch its training programme regularly. In
1998, a demand-driven training programme was launched for the public sector
and civil society organizations. In 2001, the unit was transformed into a full-fledged
centre and renamed as centre for Capacity Building (CCB). The center had organized
several national-level capacity building programmes for partner institutions, open
enrolment, and customized workshops for academia, civil society, and public sector
organizations.
With the aim to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations, academia,
and policy research institutions for sustainable development, the centre has
imparted trainings in participatory and interactive approaches to mutual learning.
It has offered a number of international-level workshops to build institutional
capacities, building strategies for transforming human resources, applied research,
and good governance to improve quality and systems for durable solutions. The
center has given a new trend on on-the-job continuing professional development
for individuals and organizational growth. Because of its activity-based learning
and CPD approach, the center was converted into the Center for Learning and
Development (CLD) to cater to the needs of academia, research institutions, UN
bodies, and development organizations and somehow to improve the interaction
and interactive skills of the corporate sector professionals.
Since its inception, CLD has been working to impart quality learning to ensure a
combination of knowledge management and action research through reflective
learning experiences. The overall objective of the Centre is to transform
organizational and institutional leadership from a traditional capacity development
approach to a result-based impact-driven approach.
During the years from 1992 to 2022, the centre had conducted more than
1500 workshops for more than 650 public institutions, NGOs, INGOs, academic
institutions, and UN organizations on various topics, trained more than 17000
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professionals’ including men and women, where the women ratio is above 40
percent. SDPI-CLD has joint learning and development ventures with UN, UNESCO,
UNODC, UNDP, UNICEF, USAID, and other international agencies like DFID, FHF,
USEFP, British Council, USAID, AUSAID, GIZ, and various INGOs. The centre is famous
for its research and activity-based participatory learning methodologies. It engages
the best international and national resource persons and trainers available in the
market to yield high-quality results.
To maintain its credible position in the market, an annual survey is also conducted
to identify the market needs and design future training workshops per the demand
of valuable organizations and clients. The prime focus of the centre is to engage
the development, academic, and research organizations, and for this purpose,
the centre also provides a number of full and partial scholarships to students and
talented individuals; however, some women and transgender scholarships are also
provided to engage all segments of the society. The center offers mainly three types
of trainings and learning programmes, which are as follows:
• Customized workshops and retreats for institutions and organizations
• Customized workshops for high-tech professionals
•
International leadership research study tours and workshops.
During the year 2022, CLD conducted the following training programmes:
Workshops
• Capacity Building of Women Micro-Entrepreneurs: Up-Scaling Leadership Skills
through Training Workshops.”
• Advanced Training on the “Prospects of a Green Transportation Corridor in
Pakistan.”
• Tobacco Control - Preparing the Frontline Professionals
• Official Correspondence
• Fundamentals of Social Media Marketing
• Communication and Networking Skills
• Writing Skills Workshop
• Script Writing Training
• Rapporteurs Training
Special Lectures
• Apolitical Policing & Erosion of State Pillars
• Theory of Change and Measurement
(These special lectures were designed for the SDPI interns and young researchers to build their
capacity and improve their knowledge performance.)
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Summer Internship Program (SIP) 2022:
Every year, CLD offers summer internships to graduates and undergraduates
of national universitiesI Initiated in 2014, the internship was transformed into a
Summer Internship Program (SIP) in 2016 and is offered to a number of potential
students from various higher education institutions. SDPI-SIP has now become
a brand, and students await the whole year to do their internship with SDPI.
The screening process is very dynamic but challenging. Students from various
universities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Karachi join this
Internship. After successfully completing the Summer Internship Programs,
participants are awarded certificates., SDPI offered the Summer Internship Program
2022, where out of 500 plus applications, 30 students were selected in Group-I one,
and 25 in Group-II after a very rigorous process. Students from many universities
from all provinces, including AJK, accomplish their internship. This Internship is
now a requirement of highly reputable institutions and provides an edge to have
practical exposure to working with top-ranked institutions, which helps in job
opportunities and higher studies in national and international universities. So far,
SDPI has awarded SIP certificates to more than 400 successful students, which
actually and successfully performed during their internship.
Challenges during 2022
During the year, the center has faced many challenges. The main challenge was the
lack of teamwork and the staff shortage. CLD needs proper team members, who
could work on the training programmes and others, who handle the logistics and
marketing strategies for the capacity-building programmes.
New Initiative
CLD has introduced technical training on the Low Emissions Analysis Platform
(LEAP) model and is also working to introduce some other tools, including Model for
Analysis of Energy Demand (MAED) and Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) in
2023 with the collaboration of the SDPI’s Energy Unit.
Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP): This platform is used to perform energy
supply and demand analysis for any region using a bottom-up modeling approach.
Along with energy assessment, LEAP can also be used to develop low emission and
investment pathways under different scenarios of economic development.
Model for Analysis of Energy Demand (MAED): It is used to evaluate future energy
demands from different end-use sectors such as industries, buildings, commercial
areas, and transport. The analysis could be performed under different scenarios
based on medium to long-term scenarios of socioeconomic, technological, and
demographic development.
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Passive House Planning Package (PHPP)
PHPP software is used to assess energy efficiency of different active and passive
energy conservation techniques. It involves the use of various numerical techniques
and approved calculations for analyzing building heating and cooling load and its
primary energy demand.
Focal Person: Sadia Satti (sadiasatti@sdpi.org)
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Centre of Evidence Action Research (CEAR)
The use of evidence is of critical importance. This is essentially an era of evidence-
based research and policy design as nearly all research calls demand aggregating
and commissioning evidence, evidence-based analysis, and generation of impact
and outcomes. In this regard, the initiative to establish a centre of evidence at SDPI
was taken. The formal launch of “Centre of Evidence Action Research” took place on
8 December 2021. The center of Evidence at SDPI that will generate the evidence
deliverables under a holistic framework in the core areas of Financial Inclusion,
Education, Social Protection, Health, Governance and Institutions, Public Policy, and
Gender. Some of the outputs are:
• Evidence Pod Cast
• Evidence- Policy Cast (Interviewing policy makers in terms of evidence use in
policy)
• Evidence Case Studies of Pakistan (which are entirely missing for Pakistan)
• Evidence Training Workshop for researchers, and policy makers
• Blogs and articles (on multiple topics)
• SDPI-Viz Hub: Evidence Info-graphs and Datasets
• Evidence Research: Impact Evaluation, Meta-analysis, etc.
The centre aims to bridge the evidence gaps in policymaking besides promoting
the evidence-based policy design and building a network/alliance for generating
evidence.
Focal Person: Dr Fareeha Armughan (fareehaarmughan@sdpi.org)
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Centre for Private Sector Engagement
SDPI has been extensively engaged with private sector for the past four years. We
have worked with almost all major actors of private sector in the region under our
various programmes in collaboration with international partners.
Objectives
• To conduct research on areas pertaining to private sector, including topics such
as various macroeconomic issues and issues pertaining to socio-economic
conditions of transgender community, trade reforms, social entrepreneurship,
trade facilitation and SME preparedness, etc.
• To initiate dialogue through our iterative and structured Public-Private Dialogue
(PPD) forum which is now in national reach via the National Network of Economic
Think-tanks.
• To partner with overlapping themes with the private sector stakeholders
• To run the capacity building programmes at strategic, operational and tactical
levels.
Focal Person: Ahad Nazir (ahad@sdpi.org)
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Centre for Health Policy and Innovation
Center for Health Policy & Innovation serves to address most pressing health issues
in Pakistan. Disparities in health care and lack of access to care in inner cities and
remote areas result in poor health outcomes. In multiple studies across Pakistan,
it is pointedout that there is a lack of informed and fair policy decisions at national
level, claiming an immense need to increase the pace of research on health sector.
Health has been devolved to the provinces in the 18th Amendment, and in this
regard, SDPI’s center liaise with the provincial governments and works in sub-
national health policy space. Events arising from COVID-19 pointed towards the
need for such dedicated window within SDPI that maintains institutional memory of
our work with federal cabinet, ministries, and provincial departments.
Objectives
• To internalize learning from COVID-19 – impact, response, and relief
interventions.
• To crystallize the health issues confronting general population and the policy
circles.
• To act as a knowledge hub regarding innovations in health policy knowledge
systems.
• To synergize the efforts of the partners and other health organizations, in
understanding health market.
• To facilitate policy makers in formulation of policies that could effectively
address the health industry and prevent the spread of emerging diseases.
• To help the government devise a policy for all provinces, especially when health
has been relegated as a provincial issue after 18th amendment.
Focal Person: Syed Wasif Ali Naqvi (wasif@sdpi.org)
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Policy Solutions Lab
Established in 2017, the Policy Solutions Lab at SDPI has been driving to strengthen
informed policy making. Forward-looking in its approach, the Lab has been innovative
and advance research solutions to meet the future policy needs of governments,
policymakers, and other key stakeholders within the development sector. To do this,
it has been analyzing (drawing policy lessons through rigorous research), designing
(developing key messages and recommendations) and broadcasting (sharing the
findings with stakeholders).
Economic Policy: SDPI firmly believes that raising the awareness of policy makers,
as well as the public, on matters of economic policy helps shape sounder and more
efficient policy design and implementation. Its work mostly relates to monetary
policy, fiscal policy, and financial policy. Social Policy: Recognizing the need for
social content in macroeconomic policy, SDPI explores areas of financial inclusion,
social exclusion, and inequality, as well as how macroeconomic policy shapes
related outcomes within these concepts. Additionally, the Lab underpins the need
for a strong social policy in a post COVID-19 context, given its centrality to inclusive
recovery.
Leading the work on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) localization and
prioritization, the lab provides data gap analysis down to the third tier of
governance: the local governments. It also fosters debates on the integration of
SDGs into mainstream economic policy.
Evaluating Policy Impact and Feasibility: Utilizing the latest advanced methods
in data collection and analysis, the Lab provides high-grade assessments on the
efficacy and impact of policy interventions across various projects, programmes,
reforms, and measures – determining the viability of policy actions proposed or
presently underway.
Focal Person: Dr Sajid Amin (sajidamin@sdpi.org)
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China Study Center
Launched in August 2018, China Study Centre is a broader initiative of SDPI to
bridge the research-policy gap on the issues of global relevance such as trade,
technologies, climate change, tourism, business, finance, and Pakistan-China
relations. The Centre strives to foster research, knowledge, and expertise on China,
profoundly relevant to our engagement with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC).
With a large network of universities, government bodies, business and civil society
organizations, the Centre aims to promote collaborations, capacity building and
technology transfer based on lessons learnt and experiences of China, attributed
to their scientific knowledge and policy instruments. This requires a deep insight
into Chinese history, culture, and socio-economic contexts. Such an approach is
essential to catalyze the active engagement with China to address the economic and
development challenges towards achieving sustainable development.
China Study Centre focuses on the development of China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC), particularly aiming to bridge the research-policy gap on the issues
of global relevance such as trade, technologies, Environment and climate change,
tourism, finance, China-Pakistan relations, and greening BRI.
Focal Person: Ubaid Ur Rehman Zia (ubaid@sdpi.org)
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R E S E A R C H
S U P P O R T
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Finance Unit
Finance, in any organization, has its unique place and significance. It is the
backbone of any organization, as it helps the organization provide a continuous
stream of cash flows, which are necessary for organizational operations. At SDPI,
Finance Unit is responsible for ensuring financial sustainability of the organization
by putting in place efficient strategies in line with the mission and vision of the
organization. Moreover, safeguarding of assets and compliance with applicable laws
and regulations is also an important part of the financial management. The unit
undertakes the following tasks.
• Budget Making
• Resource Planning
• Variance Analysis
• Financial Accounting
• Statutory Reporting
• Donor specific Reporting
• External Reporting
•
Internal Financial Management Reporting
Internal Audit
Internal Audit and Compliance Unit is entrusted with internal audit of the
organization along with planning and conducting operational, financial and
compliance audits and reviews creating synergies among the units. It also covers the
strategic, operational, financial and compliance risks to evaluate the effectiveness of
internal controls and ensure compliance with legal laws and requirements. Others
include ensuring in place the internal control and continuous monitoring of them
for efficiencies and effectiveness. It performs functional reporting to the Board
of Governors’ Finance and Audit Committee and administrative reporting to the
Executive Director. It gives value-added evidence-based recommendations to senior
management using Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs).
Integrated Approach Of Program, Finance & Internal Audits
Programme, Finance and Internal Audit Units together changed the approach to
deliver timely projects in an efficient and effective manner by working together and
creating synergies. All the three units work in close coordination with each other.
Finance has standardized the budget making steps using top-down approach as
well as bottom-up approach depending on the requirements of the project. Internal
Audit Unit plays a vital role in programme by making compliance with donor
requirements, therefore, resulting in donor satisfaction. In relation to Finance Unit,
it periodically reviews internal controls in Finance Unit for greater transparency
and highlighting the potential risks proactively so that proper strategy can be put
in place to address those risks. The summary of changes can be observed in the
diagram below:
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Administration & Percurement Unit
Administration & Procurement Unit is entrusted with the task of day-today
administration as well as resource planning. The smooth running of operations with
efficiency is the prime objective and mission of this unit. It provides logistics for day-
to-day functions, annual conferences and international events from alpha to mega.
The unit is also responsible for providing a conducive environment to the staff not
only in the office but also in the field. Provision of logistics to its staff within an
organization is the basic responsibility of the unit. Besides, the unit ensures value
for money by making purchases through best practices by planning and afterwards
implementing various projects. The unit facilitates the research and other staff
regarding procurement within and outside the country. The procurement process
is guided and monitored by a Procurement Committee at the institute so as to keep
the process clean and transparent
Nasir Khan- MIS IT Unit
Nasir Khan Management Information System (NK MIS) IT Unit is the backbone of
SDPI, which provides information technology support and services to all the staff
for their smooth working. It not only helps the researchers enhance their output
but also facilitates the staff with all the modern tools of working. During COVID-19
pandemic, the bigger challenge before IT unit was to keep up the organization with
the global standards and deliver services online. This included auxiliary support
services such as arrangements for online and hybrid meetings, seminars/webinars,
and how to use research and survey tools. During 2021, the unit achievements are
as follows:
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Online Meetings
Online meetings on Zoom, Google Meet, and MS Teams were challenging since most
of the staff was not fully familiar with the online functions. In this regard, the regular
trainings of the staff were conducted to improve the efficiency of remote working.
Overall support with regard to recording of the meetings, extraction of attendance
sheets, etc. was also provided.
Webinars
Owing to COVID- 19 pandemic, in-person events such as seminars were shifted to
online webinars, which enhanced the viewership. IT has fully managed and delivered
on more than 86 webinars during the last year. The support provided included cloud
recording, live streaming on SDTV & Facebook, panelist coordination, and audience
support & control.
Hybrid Events
During the year, hybrid events were introduced in which both the panelists and
the audiences were present in person as well as online. Our main challenge was to
coordinate, plan, initiate, test, and execute this mode of events. It was, however,
successfully implemented and practiced in various cities across the country. This
hybrid model enthralled a big online and in-person audience.
Layout of website
In addition to its IT-related activities, this year the unit gave an attractive outlook
to the SDPI website, which is the face of the organization and displays the work
done by SDPI team. In this regard, a centralized database of the research was made
available online for researchers, policymakers, students, and other users. The
details are as under:
• Video Packages are updated on the web to screen them through SDTV.
• RCU Application modification was provided as required.
• Management of Contact Request application and HRMIS Application.
• Biometric machine modification and synchronization with Server.
• SDC Registration system and Zoom API configuration with user authentication.
• Events live streaming on SDTV website and Facebook.
Some of the screenshots of the new layout of the website are presented below.
Hybrid Sustainable Development Conference:
• User-friendly interface of the conference page
• Online registration for the conference
• More than five thousand can joined online
• Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube live
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Business Development Unit (BDU)
In 2010, it was realized that there should be a specialized unit to assist and support
fund raising for the research programmes to make SDPI financially sustainable.
Resultantly, a Programme Development Unit (PDU) was established to work with
research units and develop proposals for fund raising. The unit, with full support
from programme teams, finance, and senior management was able to raise
institutional funding for undertaking research.
Because of the effectiveness of PDU, the management in 2018 upgraded and
renamed the unit as Business Development Unit. The unit’s mandate included
not only to support research units in fundraising through proposal writing but
also donor reporting, identification of partners for proposal development and
implementation, and to oversee financial reporting, placement of personnel to
deliver the quality output, and overseeing progress in line with agreed timelines.
Focal Person: Syed Qasim Shah (qasim@sdpi.org)
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S D P I S T A F F
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STAFF MEMBERS AS OF DECEMBER 2022
Abdullah Khalid
Project Assistant
Abid Rasheed
Library Assistant
Ahad Nazir
Project Coordinator
Ahmed Awais Khaver
Research Associate
Aiman Imran
Project Assistant
Aimen Zulfiqar
Project Associate
Ali Aamer Javed
Associate Coordinator
AS Resource Centre
Ali Rehmat
Project Assistant
Amna Zaidi
Senior Project
Associate
Aqsa Naveed
Project Assistant
Arham Ahmed
NLE Editor
Arshad H Abbasi
Advisor (Energy)
Arslan Barijo
Project Assistant
Asif Javed
Senior Research
Associate
Attia Irshad
Project Associate
Ayesha Ilyas
Advocacy Coordinator
Azka Tariq
Reporter/Producer
Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri
Executive Director
Dr Fareeha Armughan
Research Fellow
Dr Hina Aslam
Research Fellow
Dr Khalid Waleed
Consultant
Dr Razia Safdar
Advisor (Health)
Dr Sajid Amin Javed
Deputy Executive
Director (Research)
110
Dr. Shafqat Munir
Ahmad
Research Fellow
Dr. Vaqar Ahmed
Joint Executive
Director
Faizan Basharat
Assistant Accounts
Officer
Fatima Muzammil
Consultant
Ghulam Hassan
Driver
Hammad Nadir
Project Assistant
Hamza Baig
IT Officer
Hassan
Assistant Accounts
Officer
Ijlal Ashraf
Internal Auditor
Imran Khan
Admin Officer
Imrana Niazi
Senior Coordinator
SDC
Inderyas Masih
Mate
Isam Din
Security Guard
Kashif Majeed Salik
Associate Research
Fellow
Khansa Naeem
Project Assistant
Khurram Shahzad
Manager HR
Laraib Kiani
Advocacy Officer
Maaz Javed
Project Associate
Mahnoor Arshad
Research Associate
Manzoor Ahmad
Web Coordinator
Maria Ali
Research Associate
Maryum Waqar
Survey Coodinator
Moazzam Sharif Bhatti
Director Advocacy
and Campaigns
M Awais Umar
Research Associate
Muhammad Hamza
Internal Audit &
Compliance Officer
Muhammad Idrees
Accounts Officer
Muhammad Imran
Consultant
111
Muhammad Khurshid
Driver
M Munir Khan
Security Guard
Muhammad Riaz
Driver
M Saleem Khilji
Senior Editor
Muhammad Shaban
Director Finance
Mujeeb ur Rehman
Gardner
Naimat Ullah Wazir
Project Asssiatnt
Nudrat Fatima
Research Assistant
Rabia Shauket
HR Assistant
Rabia Tabassum
Senior Research
Associate
Ramsha Mehboob
Project Assistant
Rana Irfan Rafi
Project Assistant
Sadia Satti
Training Associate
Sahar David
Executive Secretary
Saima Mughal
Receptionist
Saleha Qureshi
Project Assistant
Salman Danish
Research Associate
Shahid Rasul
Library Associate
Sohail Younis
Mate
Sonia Iftikhar
Mate
Syed Adnan Hassan
Senior Coordinator
NK MIS
Syed Ali Wasif Naqvi
Senior Research
Associate
Syed Asim Raza
Production
Coordinator
Syed Hassan Murtaza
Research Coordinator
Syed Mohsin Ali Kazmi
Associate
Research Fellow
112
Syed Qasim Ali Shah
Deputy Eexutive
Director (Ops)
Syed Shujaat Ahmad
Consultant
Syed Sohail Abbas
Dgital Media &
Marketing Expert
Tahir Ahmed Dhindsa
Director SDTV
Tasawar Hussain
Office Assistant
Tayyaba Hanif
Coordinator, SDC
Ubaid-Ur-Rehman
Research Associate
Umair Hassan
Graphic Designer
Umar Ayaz
Project Assistant
Uzma T. Haroon
Director SDC
Zahra Khalid
Communications
Consultant
Dr Waseem Iftikhar
Janjua
Visiting Researcher
Brig. Muhmmad Yasin (Retired)
Advisor Emiritus
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