Centre for Regional Policy & Dialogue

31/08/2026

CRPD Civil Society Meeting | Dera Ismail Khan

On 30th August 2026, the Centre for Regional Policy & Dialogue (CRPD) hosted a civil society meeting in Dera Ismail Khan focused on peace and the role of young people in society.

The meeting brought together participants from different educational backgrounds for an open exchange of ideas on how young people can contribute to peace, social cohesion, constructive dialogue, and positive change in their communities.

CRPD remains committed to creating inclusive spaces where young people can connect, reflect, and contribute meaningfully to peaceful and democratic social processes.

29/08/2026

CRPD Study Circle | The Role of Literature in Society

The Centre for Regional Policy & Dialogue (CRPD) organized a Study Circle on “The Role of Literature in Society” at Faqir Epi Lawn, University of Peshawar.

The session provided an interactive space for participants to explore literature not only as a form of creative expression, but also as an important reflection of social life, values, experiences, and change.

The discussion focused on:

Understanding what literature is and its different forms
Exploring the meaning and structure of society
Examining the relationship between literature and society
Discussing how literature reflects, questions, and influences social realities
A participatory question-and-answer session

Participants actively contributed to the discussion by sharing examples from their own communities, connecting literary ideas with everyday social experiences, traditions, challenges, and changing community dynamics.

The Study Circle encouraged critical thinking, dialogue, and collective learning, highlighting the important role literature can play in understanding society and giving expression to diverse experiences and perspectives.

Key speaker: Bakht Dawar

29/08/2026

CRPD Study Circle | August 2026

The Centre for Regional Policy & Dialogue (CRPD) successfully conducted its August 2026 Study Circle, bringing together participants for an engaging discussion on “The Role of Literature in Society.”

The session explored the meaning of literature and society, their relationship, and the ways literature reflects, influences, and shapes social life. Participants actively contributed to the discussion by sharing examples from their own communities and experiences.

Key speaker: Bakht Dawar, PhD Scholar university Peshawar

16/08/2026

Day 5 | CRPD Fellowship Program 2026: Empowering Fellows for Democratic Change

The final day of the CRPD Fellowship Program 2026 focused on proposal writing, networking, alliance building, social inclusion, and peacebuilding.

The day began with a recap session, followed by an insightful session on Social Inclusion and Peacebuilding led by Dr. Afshan Huma. Fellows reflected on peacebuilding opportunities, possible action pathways, and the importance of inclusive approaches in strengthening democratic and peaceful communities.

A key part of the day focused on Proposal Writing and Idea Framing, led by Nawab Zada, where fellows worked on developing ideas into structured proposals and practical community-oriented initiatives.

The afternoon session on Alliance Building and Peace, led by Dr. Khadim Hussain and Mehran Wazir, emphasized the importance of collaboration, networks, and collective action in sustaining democratic and peacebuilding efforts.

The program concluded with a closing reflection session led by Mehran Wazir, where fellows shared key learnings, commitments, and next steps. The day also included individual and group photographs, capturing the fellows’ shared journey, learning, and collective spirit.

CRPD appreciates the active participation of all fellows, resource persons, and team members who contributed to making this fellowship a meaningful space for learning, dialogue, reflection, and democratic engagement.

15/08/2026

Day 4 | CRPD Fellowship Program 2026 – August Cohort | Islamabad

Day 4 of the CRPD Fellowship Program 2026 – August Cohort brought together learning, reflection, creativity, and an energising outdoor experience.

The day began with a recap led by Adnan Ali Khan, followed by a session on Gender: Concept, Perspective, Inclusion and Democracy facilitated by Adv. Waiza Rafique, along with an interactive group activity.

Dr. Khadim Hussain then led a session on Academic Research, introducing the fellows to key research concepts and methodology. Later, Azmat Khan facilitated a session on Social Action and Strategic Communication, connecting learning with practical approaches to community engagement and effective communication.

The formal sessions concluded on a vibrant note as fellows shared music in the session hall, followed by a group photography session. The day then moved outdoors, with fellows and the senior management of the Centre heading to Trail 5, Islamabad, for a hike.

The energy, interaction, and enthusiasm throughout the day reflected an important part of the fellowship experience: learning together, building relationships, and creating a stronger community of fellows.

14/08/2026

CRPD Fellowship Program | Day 3 of Empowering Fellows for Democratic Change

Day 3 of the CRPD Fellowship Program: Empowering Fellows for Democratic Change continued with engaging discussions, reflection, and participatory learning around civil society, historical movements, discourse, and narratives.

Dr. Saba Gul Khattak led a session on Civil Society, exploring its concepts, forms, and relevance in the Pakhtunkhwa context. Fellows then worked together to map civil society actors and reflect on their role in peacebuilding and social change.

Dr. Khadim Hussain took the fellows through the history and significance of the Khudai Khidmatgar Tehrik, the struggle of Bacha Khan, and his role in shaping social, political, and intellectual consciousness.

In the afternoon, Amir Rana facilitated an interactive session on Discourse & Narrative, examining how narratives are reflected in research, public policies, laws, and media reporting. Fellows then identified narratives from their own social and political contexts and analysed how these shape public understanding.

The day also included interactive energizer activities led by Mehran Wazir, CEO Centre for Regional Policy & dialogue (CRPD) , adding energy, participation, and connection to the learning process.

Through discussion, history, reflection, and group work, Day 3 encouraged fellows to critically examine how institutions, movements, and narratives influence society and democratic participation.

Days 3 of the Fellowship Program - August Cohort concluded with informal discussion of the participants with senior management of the Centre, and Rabab notes.

13/08/2026

Day 2 | CRPD Fellowship Program — August Cohort, Islamabad

Day 2 of the CRPD Fellowship Program — August Cohort continued with rich discussions, critical reflection, participatory learning, and cultural expression around some of the key questions shaping democracy and social change.

The day began with an insightful session on Social Movements led by Dr. Khadim Hussain, who took the fellows through the historical evolution of social movements in Pakhtunkhwa and their contemporary manifestations.

Revisiting the region’s intellectual and political history, Dr. Hussain discussed Bayazid Ansari, widely known as Pir Roshan, and the Roshani movement, presenting it as an early foundational discourse in the history of social movements in Pakhtunkhwa. He also reflected on the struggle of the great Khushal Khan Khattak, connecting these historical experiences of thought, resistance and collective action with the broader evolution of social movements and their role in bringing about social change.

The conversation then moved to State, Constitution and Federalism in Pakistan with Dr. Zafarullah Khan. The session explored the historical evolution of the state, constitutional development and federalism in Pakistan. An engaging Q&A provided fellows with an opportunity to raise questions and critically discuss constitutional structures, governance and federal relations.

In the afternoon, Dr. Mushtaq Gadi led a thought-provoking session on Ethno-National Identities & Language Imperialism: Identity, Language and Power. The discussion encouraged fellows to examine how language and identity intersect with questions of power, representation and wider social and political structures.

The formal sessions were followed by a memorable cultural moment as Hassan Nangyal, a music and human rights activist and fellow of the CRPD Fellowship Program, played the rabab for the participants. The performance brought music, cultural expression and fellowship together at the close of an intellectually engaging day.

From the historical trajectories of social movements to federalism, identity, language and cultural expression, Day 2 of the CRPD Fellowship Program connected history with contemporary realities and created space for fellows to question, discuss, reflect and learn together.

12/08/2026

Day 1 | CRPD Fellowship Program — August Cohort, Islamabad

An energetic and inspiring start to the August Cohort of the CRPD Fellowship Program: Empowering Fellows for Democratic Change in Islamabad.

The first day brought together an enthusiastic group of fellows for a highly interactive learning experience. Mehran Wazir, CEO of the Centre for Regional Policy & Dialogue (CRPD), opened the program with an engaging first session, combining discussion with a participatory group activity that encouraged fellows to exchange ideas, reflect, and learn from one another.

The momentum continued with an enlightening and thought-provoking session led by Dr. Khadim Hussain, who engaged the fellows in meaningful discussion and an interactive activity, creating space for critical reflection, participation, and shared learning.
Session:
- Human rights is a pillar of democracy
- Types of violence; direct violence structural violence and cultural violence
- followed by a thoughtful interactive group activity

Following the sessions, the fellows were also joined by Sohail Asghar Khan, Founder & CEO of Medialogue and host of Khancast, Pakistan’s pioneering Pashto podcast platform. A documentary filmmaker, media professional, and storyteller, Sohail has spent more than a decade using film, audio, and digital media to highlight issues including social justice, climate change, community resilience, and the stories of communities often missing from mainstream narratives.

learning together, engaging critically, building connections, and strengthening the capacity of young people to contribute to democratic and positive social change in their communities.
A promising beginning to the August Cohort — and much more learning, dialogue, and collaboration ahead.

03/08/2026

🌱 Renewable & Green Energy Weekly Monitor | 15–31 July 2026

The Centre for Regional Policy & Dialogue (CRPD) presents its latest Renewable & Green Energy Weekly Monitor, examining key developments shaping Pakistan’s clean-energy transition.

This edition covers:

🔹 Implementation of the Prosumer Regulations 2026, replacing net metering with net billing for new distributed renewable-energy consumers
🔹 Progress on Pakhtunkhwa’s solarization initiatives for 13,000 public buildings and 130,000 low-income households
🔹 Pakistan’s grid-connected rooftop solar capacity reaching nearly 7 GW
🔹 Battery Energy Storage Systems being declared a strategic priority and made mandatory for the upcoming 800 MW renewable-energy auction
🔹 World Bank financing for grid modernization and the continuing challenge of power-sector circular debt

The developments reflect the rapid growth of distributed solar energy, while also highlighting the need for fair regulation, modern grid infrastructure, energy storage, and equitable access to clean energy.

Read the full monitor to explore the latest developments in Pakistan’s renewable-energy sector. https://crpdpk.com/renewable-green-energy-weekly-monitor-15-31-july-2026/

World Bank grid financing (July 9, just before window but relevant context): The World Bank’s Board approved $375.9 million for Pakistan’s Grid Stability Enhancement Project,…

30/07/2026

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s energy future requires a strategy built around its own resources—and solar energy must be central to that transition.

CRPD’s policy review, The IGCEP: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Politics of Power, examines how Pakistan’s long-term electricity planning affects the province and why energy decisions cannot be based on generation cost alone.

The proposed approach advocates a decentralized energy model for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with distributed solar as the cornerstone of future electricity provision. Expanding rooftop solar, community solar, microgrids, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can deliver affordable, reliable, and climate-resilient electricity while reducing dependence on large, centralized infrastructure. In the merged districts and other remote areas, off-grid solar solutions should be prioritized as the most cost-effective and rapid means of expanding energy access.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already launched a programme to solarise 130,000 low-income households, including around 30,000 homes in the merged districts. More than 2.5 million applications for the first phase demonstrate the scale of public demand for affordable and reliable energy.

CRPD argues that the province should build on this demand by expanding solar energy, pairing it with battery storage, reducing provincial duties and levies on solar and storage equipment, and ensuring that energy equity becomes an explicit part of national planning.

Swipe through the carousel to explore the key findings and policy recommendations.

Read the complete policy review: https://crpdpk.com/the-igcep-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-and-the-politics-of-power/

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