PIDE hosts landmark virtual “RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th May, 2026) The three-day 6th RASTA–PIDE Conference 2026 concluded with a strong emphasis on evidence-based policymaking, collaborative research, and sustainable national development, as experts and policymakers called for stronger integration of academic research into Pakistan’s governance and reform agenda.

Organised by the RASTA–PIDE Competitive Research Grants Programme from May 15–17, the conference was held virtually for the first time in the history of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), said a release issued here on Sunday.

The event brought together researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, students, and members of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) from across Pakistan and abroad.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the conference and stressed the importance of research, innovation, and knowledge-driven policymaking in achieving Pakistan’s long-term economic transformation and development objectives.

During the three-day event, six thematic sessions and four major showcase studies were presented, while nearly 34 research teams shared findings from completed projects covering key policy areas. These included programme evaluations, human capital and social outcomes, climate risks and economic resilience, governance and political economy, urban governance and social protection, as well as investment, commerce, and economic reforms.

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The conference served as a platform for academics and policymakers to discuss practical and implementable policy solutions aligned with Pakistan’s socio-economic priorities.

Participants also highlighted major RASTA-supported studies on education reforms, domestic commerce, poverty alleviation strategies, and the Citypedia initiative aimed at developing comprehensive urban profiles and city-level evidence systems across Pakistan.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Faheem Jehangir said that RASTA had evolved into a national policy knowledge ecosystem connecting universities, researchers, think tanks, practitioners, and government institutions.

He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among academia, industry, policymakers, and development stakeholders to ensure research outcomes translate into effective public policy and sustainable development.

Vice Chancellor of PIDE Nadeem Javaid appreciated the contributions of the RAC and the RASTA team and reaffirmed PIDE’s commitment to promoting evidence-based policy dialogue, research dissemination, and actionable recommendations to support national development planning and governance reforms.

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