Research, proposals, writing and training for organisations working in Pakistan.
PIVRA is an independent research and policy institute in Lahore. Foundations, development partners, NGOs, companies and public bodies hire us to answer hard questions with evidence, win funding with strong proposals, turn their work into professional publications and build their teams' skills.
Six ways to work with PIVRA
Each service is scoped to your question, budget and deadline. Not sure which one fits? Describe the problem and we will suggest the right approach.
Commissioned Research & Policy Analysis
Studies, evidence reviews and policy briefs on the questions your organisation needs answered, written for decision-makers.
- Research studies and reports
- Policy briefs and options papers
- Evidence and literature reviews
Proposal Writing & M&E Design
Funding proposals, concept notes and the results frameworks donors expect, written by researchers who know the evidence.
- Grant proposals and concept notes
- Theories of change and logframes
- M&E plans and indicator frameworks
Report Writing, Editing & Translation
Reports, policy briefs and publications written, edited, translated into Urdu or English, and designed to a professional standard.
- Report and policy brief writing
- Editing and proofreading
- English–Urdu translation and layout
ESG & Sustainability Advisory
ESG gap assessments, sustainability reporting support and SDG alignment for companies and investors in Pakistan.
- ESG gap assessments
- Sustainability report drafting
- SDG alignment and materiality
Training & Capacity Building
Practical, certified training for your staff, students or partners, in person in Lahore or online anywhere.
- Research methodology and academic writing
- Policy writing, proposals and M&E
- Custom in-house programmes
Events, Webinars & Expert Speakers
Expert speakers, co-hosted roundtables and webinars, and sponsorship of PIVRA's public sessions.
- Speakers for your event or panel
- Co-hosted roundtables and webinars
- Sponsorship of the Expert Series
Built for the organisations shaping Pakistan's development
From first message to delivery
A simple process with no surprises: you know the scope, the team, the dates and the price before any work begins.
- Tell us what you needSend a short request online, by email or on WhatsApp. Terms of reference are welcome.
- We talk it throughWithin two business days we contact you to understand the question, audience and deadline.
- You get a proposalA written scope, method, team, timeline and price. Free and without obligation.
- We deliverA named lead, regular updates, and outputs reviewed to PIVRA's research standards.
Our sessions have featured speakers from UNDP Pakistan, SDPI, Quaid-i-Azam University, GC University Lahore, Fatima Jinnah Women University and the University of Wah, and our Expert Network brings in academics, practitioners and former officials across sectors.
Why organisations choose us
Pakistan-specific evidence
We work on Pakistan every day: its data, its institutions, its laws and its budgets. You do not pay for us to learn the context.
Independent and credible
A non-partisan, SECP-registered institute with published standards. Findings follow the evidence, which is why funders and regulators trust them.
Senior specialists on call
Our Expert Network gives every project access to academics, practitioners and former officials in the right field.
Research to delivery
We do not stop at the report. We can turn findings into a policy brief, a training programme, a funding proposal or a briefing for your board.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a project cost?
Every project is priced on its scope, so we quote each one individually. Tell us what you need and we will send a written proposal with a fixed price or a clear budget. The proposal is free and there is no obligation.
How quickly can you start?
We reply to every request within two business days. Short pieces of work such as a policy brief, evidence review or workshop can usually start within one to two weeks.
Do you work outside Lahore and outside Pakistan?
Yes. We work across Pakistan, including AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, and with international organisations and the diaspora. Our work is done from our office in Lahore and online, and we come to you for training and meetings when needed.
Is our work kept confidential?
Yes. Commissioned work and client data are confidential by default and belong to you. We publish only what you agree to publish.
Will you change findings to suit us?
No. You decide the question and the scope; the findings follow the evidence. That independence is what makes our work credible to funders, regulators and the public.
Can we send you an RFP or terms of reference?
Yes. Attach or describe it in your request, or email it to info@pivra.org, and we will respond with a technical and financial proposal.
Have a project in mind?
Describe your project in a few lines and we will reply within two business days with next steps. Proposals are free and carry no obligation.