ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research, training and civic engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening electoral capacity and democratic governance in Pakistan.

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Training and civic engagement initiatives Research and academic collaboration Five-year partnership

The agreement was signed at the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad by Dr. Nasir Iqbal, Professor of Economics and Registrar at PIDE, and Omer Hamid Khan, Secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Under the partnership, both institutions will work together on joint research projects and publications related to electoral processes, governance, institutional performance, voter behaviour and public policy.

Training and civic engagement initiatives

The collaboration will also include training programmes such as Training of Trainers (ToT), workshops, seminars and short courses designed for educators, researchers and professionals working in governance and policy sectors.

Officials said the partnership will also focus on youth civic engagement by developing digital tools and educational content to promote democratic participation and voter awareness.

Research and academic collaboration

The MoU also provides opportunities for graduate and doctoral students to participate in research, policy analysis and institutional support projects. The partnership will facilitate data sharing and analytical support for policy recommendations, subject to applicable legal and confidentiality requirements.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Nasir Iqbal said the partnership reflects PIDE’s commitment to linking academic research with national policy priorities and supporting stronger democratic institutions through research and professional training.

ECP Secretary Omer Hamid Khan said the collaboration aligns with the commission’s mandate to promote voter education and public awareness, while improving institutional performance through knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives.

Five-year partnership

The MoU will remain effective for five years from the date of signing, with the possibility of extension through mutual consent.

For coordination, the focal persons designated under the agreement are Dr. Nadeem Khan, Assistant Professor and Director of the Executive Development Center at PIDE, and Nazar Abbas, Additional Director General of the Media Coordination and Outreach Wing at the ECP.