Pakistan
Pakistan saw rapid development and experienced the highest growth rates in South Asia in its first 20 years after independence. However, in recent years, progress has slowed and the economy has seen a downturn. Development outcomes remain mixed, with over 24% of the population living under the national poverty line, a low female workforce participation rate and high youth unemployment.
Our focus areas
Livelihoods
With an estimated 8.6 million youth out of work and female labour market participation in Pakistan a low 24%, millions of women and young people lack employment opportunities and job security. Those who cannot secure a stable livelihood are at high risk of falling further into poverty.
Through our Livelihoods Programme, we aim to equip people, especially women and young adults, with the skills to secure jobs. Our focus is on sustainable livelihoods, life skills and access to finance. We promote both employment and enterprise.
We are particularly focused on:
- supporting women and youth to earn a sustainable income in agricultural economies by helping them to build skills and establish agricultural enterprises
- driving women’s economic empowerment in traditional trades through employment, enterprise and promoting business growth
- promoting digital skills to access new online markets and IT-related jobs
- introducing innovative and climate resilient livelihood opportunities for women and young people
- promoting access to finance and exploring issues of mobility for women and young people.
Read more about our Livelihoods Programme in Pakistan
Mental health
An estimated 50 million (one in four) people in Pakistan experience mental health issues. Stigma, low awareness and limited services mean 90% of those needing treatment cannot access support, putting them at risk of further health issues, poverty and exclusion.
We want to fundamentally transform the mental health landscape across Pakistan by destigmatising and raising awareness of mental health, promoting accessible and affordable services for all and building coalitions of support to drive change.
Working with different stakeholders, including government and the corporate sector, our projects are focussed on:
- Promoting access to community-based mental health services through integrating mental health support within the health care system and the education system.
- Reducing stigma and building awareness of mental health
- Working together for systemic and policy changes for better mental health
“One in four people in Pakistan experience mental health issues but we rarely talk about it.”
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News & events
British Asian Trust and Citi Foundation celebrate a successful partnership in Karachi
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News & events
The British Asian Trust and the Mir Khalil ur Rahman Foundation sign MOU for upcoming mental health campaign
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News & events
Renowned Pakistani journalist and social activist Jugnu Mohsin appointed to British Asian Trust's Pakistan Advisory Council
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