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

17/04/2026

IDSP - Pakistan : The President of the Community Organization of Killi Shadaizai, Urak, Mr. Maqbool Kakar, is sharing his views in an interview on the Drinking Water Supply Scheme implemented by IDSP with financial support from the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). Under this scheme, a submersible pump has been installed, a household-level water piping system has been established, and the water storage tanks, pump room, and solar system have been fully rehabilitated.

IDSP – Pakistan : The devastating 2022 floods, which disrupted livelihoods and deepened vulnerabilities, the women of Ha...
08/04/2026

IDSP – Pakistan : The devastating 2022 floods, which disrupted livelihoods and deepened vulnerabilities, the women of Hanna Urak, Quetta chose resilience over despair. Recognizing this potential, IDSP developed an innovative idea to introduce Solar Dryer Units—transforming local challenges into sustainable opportunities. Under the Restoring Social Services and Climate Resilience (RSS&CR) Project—funded by Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) —practical training in solar drying techniques, hygiene, and small-scale enterprise development was provided, enabling women to generate income while remaining within their socio-cultural context. What began with just six women has now grown into a meaningful practice of transforming apples, tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and indigenous herbs into value-added products. Produce that once went to waste is now preserved—contributing to reduced post-harvest losses, improved household food security, and sustainable income generation. Beyond livelihoods, this initiative reflects IDSP’s philosophy of life-long learning—building women’s skills, confidence, and strengthening their role in household decision-making. Building on this success, IDSP is now planning to formalize this initiative by launching structured courses and learning programs around solar drying, food preservation, and community-based entrepreneurship. This will ensure that more women and youth can benefit, scale these practices, and sustain climate-resilient livelihoods in the long run. Through this effort, IDSP continues to demonstrate how locally developed, knowledge-driven ideas can turn crises into opportunities—fostering dignity, resilience, and women-led climate action within their own communities.

IDSP – Pakistan: The Institute for Development Studies and Practices (IDSP) proudly held the opening ceremony of the RIR...
02/04/2026

IDSP – Pakistan: The Institute for Development Studies and Practices (IDSP) proudly held the opening ceremony of the RIRI project for Gulshan Bibi. The cart was inaugurated by the Founding Director of IDSP, Dr. Quratulain Bakhteari. This initiative is more than just a RIRI intervention—it represents the strength and resilience of a woman who carries the responsibility of her entire household. Gulshan Bibi’s husband is living with diabetes, and due to financial hardship, their four children were unable to continue their education. Through this initiative, IDSP aims to empower Gulshan Bibi to rebuild her family’s future. With the provision of a RIRI cart, she now has an opportunity to establish a sustainable source of income. This will enable her not only to support her household financially but also to ensure proper medical care for her husband. Most importantly, this initiative brings hope for her children’s education. Two of her children are now set to return to school, marking a significant step toward a brighter future. IDSP’s support goes beyond providing a cart—it is a commitment to sustainable livelihoods, dignity, and long-term transformation.

26/03/2026
Photography Fellowship for Climate ActionIDSP -Pakistan : The IDSP University of Community Development is organizing a 2...
24/03/2026

Photography Fellowship for Climate Action
IDSP -Pakistan : The IDSP University of Community Development is organizing a 2-week Photography Fellowship for Women who are passionate about photography and want to highlight climate change and environmental issues through pictures.
>> Course Activities:
* Photography training
* Learning about climate change & environment
* Field photo walk
* Practical photography practice
* Photo exhibition of participants’ work
* Indoor & outdoor photography classes
>> Who can apply?
* Women passionate about photography
* Age 18–35
* Able to complete the 2-week fellowship and assignments
📅 Last Date to Apply: 30 March 2026
🔗 Apply here:
https://forms.gle/Zio3miyuoZzedbU2A
📧 [email protected]
📱 0333-7716883
📍 IDSP University of Community Development Campus, near Police Station, Hanna Urak Road, Quetta

20/03/2026

Dear All,
For many across the world especially those who stand for justice and humanity. This Eid arrives carrying a profound heaviness. As we gather with our families in warmth and gratitude, our hearts turn to the children of Gaza: displaced, grieving, and robbed of the embrace of their parents and loved ones.
While celebrations unfold in many corners of the world, unimaginable suffering continues, enduring through months, through the sacred nights of Ramadan, and now into the days of Eid itself. From Gaza to Lebanon, from Iran to Yemen, pain persists quietly, and too often, the world watches in silence. Yet there remain those who feel deeply, who empathize sincerely, and who refuse to look away.
At IDSP, our work alongside communities has shown us the remarkable resilience of the human spirit, but also the profound ache felt when livelihoods are shattered and loved ones are lost. These are not distant statistics; they are lives, families, and futures.
As a Pakistani, I pray this Eid that Allah grants our nation the wisdom, dignity, and moral courage to stand firmly on the side of justice, and protects us from the complacency of silence in the face of oppression.
To the steadfast people of Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen, your courage is a testament to the enduring strength of faith and the inextinguishable spirit of humanity. You carry a burden the world must not be allowed to forget, and a dignity that continues to inspire us all.
With a heavy heart and a prayer for peace,
Eid Mubarak.
Dr. Quratulain Bakhteari and the IDSP Team (Institute for Development Studies and Practices (IDSP – Pakistan)

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

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+92812308064

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