The RASTA – PIDE & Planning Commission Competitive Research Grants programme is a key initiative to strengthen social science research in Pakistan. It connects academia, think tanks, and policymakers to generate high quality, evidence-based insights for public policy.

RASTA bridges the gap between research and decision-making by supporting policy-relevant studies, encouraging collaboration, and providing a platform for knowledge sharing. Through its competitive and demand-driven research streams, the programme helps shape informed policies and builds capacity across institutions involved in policymaking.