Research Brief — Asia Programme
April 2026
The Peace and Development Consulting Centre (PDCC) is currently undertaking a long-term research initiative focused on the intricate dynamics of social security and the role of civil society in Pakistan. This project examines the evolving relationship between state-provided social protection mechanisms and the parallel systems of support that have emerged through civil society organisations, community networks and informal arrangements.
Pakistan’s social security landscape is characterised by significant gaps in formal coverage, with the majority of the workforce employed in the informal sector and therefore outside the scope of state-provided protections. Civil society organisations have stepped into this vacuum, providing services ranging from basic healthcare and education to emergency relief and legal aid. However, their reach is uneven, their funding is precarious and their relationship with the state is often contested.
This research aims to map the existing social security ecosystem, assess its effectiveness in reaching vulnerable populations and identify pathways for more effective collaboration between state and non-state actors. The findings will contribute to policy discussions on social protection reform in Pakistan and offer lessons for other countries facing similar challenges of informal employment and limited state capacity.