Pakistan

Background

The current situation in Pakistan calls for an in-depth analysis and detailed assessment of factors underlying human security. There is an urgent need to raise awareness on human security issues at the policy level, and to build an institutional framework that will allow cross sectoral reforms. The National Human Development Report (NHDR) report will contain a comprehensive facts-based analysis of the government’s institutional capacity and policy commitments to tackle human security. The empirics in the report will also provide a guiding framework to strengthen the institutions to effectively deal with human security and formulation of a holistic policy towards human security. One of the main objectives of the NHDR is to create awareness and to generate public policy actions involving vital issues of human development. These will also help consolidate the country’s statistical and analytical capacity which would serve as an important tool for analysing the achievement of the MDGs. While encouraging adoption of public policies through open dialogue processes on national priorities, the report findings will underline the need to institute a nationally owned framework for human security. The NHDR of UNDP Pakistan with a theme anchored on the principles of human security will offer an ideal fillip to advocate for an increased understanding on the sustainable application of the Human Security approach at the national and/or regional level and especially amongst the youth in the country. The analysis and insights of NHDR will offer practical ways to build the ownership of the government regarding human security and promote multi-sectoral and inter-agency collaboration, paying particular attention to the special needs and vulnerabilities of women, and other marginalized groups.

Objectives

The objectives of the NHDR process with a focus on human security are:

To carry out national assessment of factors undercutting or contributing to human security. The report will contain a comprehensive facts-based analysis of the government’s institutional capacity and policy commitments to tackle human security. The research will build on the earlier HDR South Asia produced by the Mahbub-ul Haq Human Development Centre on the theme of human security in 2005.

To help institute a nationally owned framework for human security by involving partners and all stakeholders. The analysis and insights of NHDR will offer practical ways to build the ownership of the government and other stakeholders including civil society groups. It will promote multi-sectoral and inter-agency collaboration, paying particular attention to the special needs and vulnerabilities of women, and other marginalized groups.