Pakistan

In Pakistan, we support electoral and governance reform, promote community security and alternative dispute resolution, and encourage
women’s empowerment.

Pakistan has come through another period of political and active connections to their elected representatives
turmoil with its fragile democracy intact, but it must for greater government accountability.
continue to strive to achieve effective democratic
governance capable of addressing the significant WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
challenges it faces: a deteriorating security situation, Women entrepreneurs face a multitude of obstacles
weak economy, eroding infrastructure, an energy in Pakistan. Mobility is restricted, and most have lit- PAKISTAN
crisis, high unemployment rates, and a great deal of tle to no access to capital and supplies. In 2008, the
international pressure connected to its pivotal role in Foundation supported the creation of “production The Asia Foundation
world security. units”— groups of 20 to 30 women who collectively has worked
produce and sell goods, such as clothes, handbags, continuously in
The Asia Foundation has worked continuously in pickled vegetables, and perfumes. More than 1,000
Pakistan since 1954, developing deep ties and exper- Pakistan
women in three of Pakistan’s four provinces are
tise on local, regional, and international issues. involved in this ongoing, landmark initiative. since 1954.
Through turbulent times, our programs have focused
on improving Pakistan’s governance capacity, The Foundation
strengthening democracy and civil society, supporting SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS recently launched
an independent media, promoting better health care, In November 2008, the Foundation began a new ini- the Human Rights
and empowering women. tiative called the Human Rights Fund. The project is Fund to engage
designed to engage Pakistani civil society groups, gov- civil society groups
RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS ernment, and media agencies – both separately and
to work to promote
FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS
in partnership with one another – to work to
human rights.
improve protection and promotion of human rights.
Starting in 2006, the Foundation facilitated the Free The Fund focuses on five areas: freedom from torture
and Fair Election Network (FAFEN: and other rights related to prisoners; freedom of HEADQUARTERS
465 California Street,
http://www.fafen.org/v1.fafen/), a consortium of 30 speech and access to information; stemming gender- 9th Floor
diverse Pakistani civil society groups created to based violence and discrimination; rights of religious San Francisco, CA 94104 USA
Tel: (415) 982-4640
observe all aspects of Pakistani elections. FAFEN is and ethnic minorities; and economic rights. Experts Fax: (415) 392-8863
the first Pakistani election observer group to use a from Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, the North West info@asiafound.org
long-term, nationwide, systematic, statistically-driven Frontier Province, and the federal capital provide WASHINGTON, DC
methodology, which follows international standards insight and advice regarding human rights in 1779 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Suite 815
and best practices. Today, its website includes Pakistan for the Fund. Washington, D.C. 20036 USA
unprecedented constituency-based data from the Tel: (202) 588-9420
Fax: (202) 588-9409
2008 general elections and reports about FAFEN’s info@asiafound-dc.org
Parliament Watch and Constituency Relations
PAKISTAN
Projects, providing citizens with information about P.O. Box 1165
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: (92) 51-265-0523
The Asia Foundation is a private, non-profit, non-governmental organization. It is funded by contributions from corporations, foundations, individuals, and governmental Fax: (92) 51-265-0736
taf@pk.asiafound.org
organizations in the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, and Asia, and an annual appropriation from the U.S. Congress. Through its programs, the Foundation builds lead-
ership, improves policies, and strengthens institutions to foster greater openness and shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. www.asiafoundation.org