ABOUT

The RASTA – PIDE & Planning Commission Competitive Research Grants is the largest social sciences research network in Pakistan. RASTA’s mission is to develop a research culture and network of academia and think tanks across Pakistan producing high-quality, evidence-based policy research to inform Pakistan’s public policy process.

The objectives of RASTA programme are to

Reduce research-policy gap by stimulating economic and social science research and debate across Pakistan;
Build a network of thought communities stimulating internally defined and produced policy-relevant research.
Provide a knowledge-sharing/generating platform where di erent actors can present and share evidence-based research to inform decision-making in the government;
Revisit the future policy agenda in line with the evidence produced in this programme; and
Build capacity and improve policymaking and implementation by involving and engaging local universities, think tanks, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.

With these objectives, the programme seeks to develop local thought communities and generate knowledge. Substantial outputs will be completed in important areas of public policy that will produce insightful research and facilitate goals that the Government wants to achieve according to its vision.

CGP DDR and Policy Engagements:

Competitive Grants Program (CGP)

The Competitive Grants Program (CGP) is RASTA’s flagship initiative, inviting research proposals on priority themes set by the Research Advisory Committee (RAC). Calls for proposals are announced twice a year (March and October) through open competition. Researchers from Pakistan and abroad with a focus on Pakistan’s public policy issues are encouraged to apply. Selected projects produce high quality, peer-reviewed research outputs, policy briefs, and reports that are shared with stakeholders and presented at the RASTA Conference to inform national and sub-national policymaking.

Demand-Driven Research (DDR)

Demand-Driven Research (DDR) is a proactive, evidence-based approach designed to support government policymaking in Pakistan. It delivers timely and cost-effective research on priority economic and public policy issues identified by federal and provincial governments, RAC members, and PIDE experts, helping ensure policies are informed by rigorous and relevant evidence.

Policy Engagements

RASTA’s Policy Engagements bring together researchers, policymakers, and key stakeholders to translate research into actionable policy insights. Through workshops, webinars, conferences, and seminars, RASTA shares evidence-based knowledge to support informed decision-making at both national and sub-national levels, strengthening the design and impact of public policy in Pakistan.