Institute for Development Studies and Practices (IDSP)

Institute for Development Studies and Practices (IDSP) IDSP opens Learning Spaces for the young majority population to empower them for generating and regenerating responses to the existing challenges.

http://idsp.org.pk Behind IDSP's Foundation:
Quratulain Bakhteari grew up in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Karachi after the creation of Pakistan in 1947. When Quratulain was earning her B.A. degree as a student between 1978 and 1982, she worked as a volunteer, organizer, and researcher in the squatter settlements in and around Karachi. She made major contributions both to public he

alth and sanitation during this time, providing toilets to 5,000 households through community actions, effectively changing the sanitation and hygiene practices for more than 35,000 people from 1979 to 1987. After completing her B.A. degree, she helped new refugees coming from Bangladesh by providing them with access to basic health care and education. Later, she earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. and established 2,000 government girls’ primary schools in rural Balochistan, resulting in the enrollment of 200,000 girls — a record in Pakistan’s history. Frustrated with a lack of efficacy in internationally sponsored development projects, she wrote a concept paper that became the blueprint for Institute for Development Studies and Practices (IDSP), and was subsequently funded by The Asia Foundation for three years. She formulated the curriculum, recruited, and trained faculty in advance of the formal launch of IDSP in 1998. Since then, she has focused her attention toward safe spaces for young people in Pakistan, and IDSP has set a major strategic goal of establishing a university of its kind in the field of community development in order to work with marginalized youth for a greater social, political and economic change in societies. Currently, IDSP is designing its university curriculum and faculty development trainings in conjunction with the campus construction in Quetta. Quratulain is an Ashoka Fellow and has spoken at prestigious conferences, including the Global Philanthropy Forum and TEDx. http://idsp.org.pk/about-us-2/about-idsp/ #1491464321980-1efbd952-4499

10/08/2026
IDSP – Pakistan: RIRI Project – From Support to Sustainable LivelihoodThe IDSP team visited Mr. Akil Khan, the 2nd Fello...
08/08/2026

IDSP – Pakistan: RIRI Project – From Support to Sustainable Livelihood
The IDSP team visited Mr. Akil Khan, the 2nd Fellow under the IDSP RIRI Project, at his business on Main Sabzal Road, Quetta, as part of a field monitoring visit. Akil runs a seasonal business, selling falooda during the summer and previously selling soup during the winter. Before receiving support from the RIRI Project, his average daily income was around PKR 600. Today, his business has grown significantly, and he is earning approximately PKR 1,400 per day—more than double his previous daily income. The impact goes beyond income. With his improved earnings, Akil has been able to support his brother’s education. He has also invested PKR 50,000 from his own resources to further expand and strengthen his business. Akil expressed his heartfelt gratitude to IDSP, Dr. Sahiba, and Ibrahim Bhai for their support, trust, and encouragement. He shared that the RIRI Project has made a meaningful difference in his livelihood and the economic well-being of his family.
This is what livelihood support looks like—creating opportunities, strengthening families, and enabling people to build a better future with dignity.

IDSP – Pakistan : RIRI Project – Strengthening Livelihoods, Supporting FamiliesAs part of the RIRI Project’s field monit...
08/08/2026

IDSP – Pakistan : RIRI Project – Strengthening Livelihoods, Supporting Families
As part of the RIRI Project’s field monitoring activities, the IDSP team recently met with Gulshan Bibi to review the progress of her business, income, and overall financial situation. Gulshan shared that her business is progressing very well and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to IDSP and support team for their continued support and encouragement. She shared that the RIRI Project has brought a significant positive change to her life and business. From Debt to Greater Financial Stability
Before receiving support through the RIRI Project, Gulshan had an outstanding loan of PKR 300,000. Over the past two months, she has successfully repaid PKR 100,000 of the loan—an important step toward improving her family's financial stability. Her income is particularly important because her husband is living with diabetes and requires ongoing medical treatment. Despite these financial pressures, Gulshan is now able to manage her household expenses and contribute toward her husband's healthcare costs through the income generated by her RIRI-supported business.
A Remarkable Increase in Income
Before joining the RIRI Project, Gulshan’s daily net profit was approximately PKR 900. Following the project’s support, her daily net profit has increased to approximately PKR 1,700–1,800. This improvement has strengthened her ability to meet household needs, repay debt, and invest in a more secure future for her family.
A Story of Hope and Resilience
Gulshan once again expressed her sincere appreciation to IDSP team, and the entire RIRI team, sharing that the project has given her family renewed hope, greater financial confidence, and the opportunity to build a better future. At IDSP, we believe that sustainable livelihood support is not simply about providing financial assistance—it is about creating opportunities, strengthening families, and enabling individuals to move toward greater economic independence and dignity.

16/07/2026

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IDSP's University Of Community Development, Hana Urak Road
Quetta

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