About AKRSP

Vision

An empowered, equitable, socially cohesive, and economically prosperous society.

Mission

To improve the quality of life of the local communities through social and economic development effort.

History and Milestones

The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) was established in 1982 by the Aga Khan Foundation with the aim of improving the quality of life of local communities, primarily in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Operations initially began in one district, Gilgit, before expanding to all five districts of the then Northern Areas, later renamed Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as Chitral district of the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP), later renamed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).

These areas were among the poorest and most geographically isolated parts of Pakistan, characterised by a spatial poverty trap due to poor human, physical, and natural endowments. The population largely depended on subsistence agriculture, with chronic deficits in basic social services, physical infrastructure, and market access. The region also experienced an institutional transition from traditional princedoms to local government, reshaping governance and community participation in development. A major transformation came with the construction of the Karakoram Highway, which improved connectivity, trade, and access to resources.
AKRSP initially had two objectives: a) to contribute to doubling the incomes of the people of Gilgit, Baltistan, and Chitral over a ten-year period, and b) to develop replicable approaches for community development. This initiative was part of a broader effort to support rural development through community-driven approaches.
AKRSP started its work as a catalyst for rural development by organizing communities, working with them to identify development opportunities, and promoting the provision of services needed to tackle the specific problems of high mountain regions.

Approach and Philosophy

AKRSP started out with an approach that addressed three fundamental areas: a) organisation; b) skills; and c) capital. The underlying premise was that people have the potential and the will to improve their lives but lack these three essential ingredients. By addressing these constraints, AKRSP believed that communities could take on larger development challenges by making effective use of their resources and opportunities.

Based on this approach, all households, including the poorest, were encouraged to come together to form village and women’s organisations (V/WOs) that not only amplified the local voices but also identified projects benefiting the entire community. Members were further encouraged to save money and build their capacities in skills ranging from credit and accounts management to the introduction of cash crops, ensuring long-term socio-economic resilience.

AKRSP continues to place strong emphasis on community engagement and participatory development, rooted in the belief that local communities have the potential to plan and manage their own development. This approach, which initially began with V/WOs, has evolved to form Local Support Organisations (LSOs) and now engaging broader civil society organisations, with a particular focus on the inclusion of women, youth, and other marginalised segments of society. By strengthening community institutions, AKRSP fosters a sense of empowerment and self-reliance among local populations, enabling them to drive sustainable development in the programme areas.

Awards &
Recognitions

AKRSP has received national and international recognition for its pioneering work in sustainable development, community empowerment, and rural transformation. Some of the notable awards and accolades received over the years are featured below.

Ashden Award for Sustainable Energy, or “Green Oscar 2004″

2005 Global Development Awards

Energy Globe Award 2022

Partners and Donors

The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) collaborates with a diverse array of partners and donors who share our commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment. Our partners include international development agencies, government bodies, non-governmental organisations, and private sector entities. Their generous contributions and strategic partnerships are crucial in driving our mission to enhance livelihoods, foster economic growth, and promote social development in the region.

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Programme Area

The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) operates in some of the most diverse and geographically unique regions of Pakistan, covering an area of approximately 111,427 square kilometres. The programme area includes the ten districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Lower and Upper Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and, since 2024, has expanded to the coastal districts of Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin in Sindh. This expansion integrates both high-altitude mountainous terrains and coastal plains, broadening AKRSP’s impact across vastly different ecological and socio-economic landscapes.

The programme area districts are home to around 5 million people, living in over 934,301households spread across more than 2,881 villages. Gilgit-Baltistan, with a population of approximately 1.6 million, has a literacy rate of around 65 percent, while Lower and Upper Chitral, with a combined population of about 0.55 million, have literacy rates of about 70 percent. In contrast, Thatta, Sujawal and Badin districts, with a total population of around 3.8 million, have literacy rates below 40 percent

The landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral is defined by towering mountains, glaciers, and river valleys, supporting livelihoods based on agriculture, livestock, and tourism. The region is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Shina, Balti, Burusho , Wakhi, and Khowar-speaking communities, each with a rich cultural heritage. The newly included programme areas in Sindh consist of riverine and coastal communities engaged in fishing, farming, and trade. The majority of the population in Thatta, Sujawal and Badin speaks Sindhi and Balochi, and the region faces unique environmental challenges such as coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and freshwater scarcity.

The socio-economic conditions across the programme area reflect disparities in access to essential services and economic opportunities. While education, healthcare and other basic amenities have improved in some parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, rural communities continue to face challenges in infrastructure, market access, and employment. Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin despite their proximity to urban centres, struggle with low literacy rates, fragile livelihoods, and climate-induced vulnerabilities.

The region faces multiple challenges that impact the well-being and resilience of its communities. In the northern highlands, harsh winters, glacial melt, and limited arable land threaten food security and sustainable livelihoods. The increasing effects of climate change, including erratic weather patterns and shrinking water resources, pose significant risks to agriculture and pastoral economies. In the coastal areas, rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and the degradation of the Indus Delta are exacerbating environmental vulnerabilities, impacting both human settlements and local ecosystems. Socio-economic disparities, gender inequalities, and limited access to modern technology and financial services further hinder development efforts.

AKRSP’s approach to development is inclusive and sustainable, focusing on targeted interventions across seven key thematic areas. By integrating highland and coastal communities into its initiatives, the organisation works to enhance livelihoods, build resilience to environmental challenges, and create a more equitable future for the diverse populations it serves.