Pakistan
NCA has worked in Pakistan since 1982, initially providing humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees. Since 2007, our efforts have expanded to include long-term development, with a strong focus on partnering with civil society actors. Today, we operate in 12 districts, with key results in gender-based violence prevention, climate-resilient WASH, peacebuilding, and fighting inequality.
Challenges and response
Faith minorities at risk
NCA engages faith actors, marginalized communities, and duty-bearers to promote interfaith harmony and social cohesion among diverse groups. We establish Local Peace Groups and equip them to work with duty-bearers to preempt and prevent violent situations and conflicts, and to act in the event of violent outbreaks. We also advocate for the rights of faith minorities and the application of pro-minority laws.
Gender-based Violence (GBV)
NCA raises awareness on women's rights, develops the capacity of duty-bearers, provides skills training for economic empowerment, advocates for women's rights and pro-woman laws, and transforms regressive gender norms. We also promote positive masculinity among young men to foster a more inclusive society.
Inadequate access to clean water
NCA provides sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities within communities and public institutions. Through education and awareness programmes on environmental, personal, and menstrual hygiene, we promote behavioral change for good hygiene practices, ensuring healthier and more resilient communities.
Climate change & frequent disasters
NCA enhances communities' resilience to prevent, prepare for, and cope with future disasters. We implement indigenous, nature-based, and faith-based climate change adaptation solutions. We also maintain contingency capacities for disaster response and contribute to national and global climate justice advocacy.
Norwegian Church Aid in Pakistan
Been present since
1982
in Pakistan (Also provided support in 1956, 1969-1978)
In 2024, our turnover was
3.268.930
EURO in Pakistan
Partners
- Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP)
- Research and Development Foundation (RDF)
- Shirakat - Partnership for Development (Shirakat)
- BARGAD
- Rozan
- Organisation for Research and Education (ORE)
- Khwendo Kor (KK)
- Pakistan Council of World Religions - Faith Friends (PCWR-FF)
- Blue Veins (BV)
- LASOONA - Relief and Development Organisation (LASOONA)
Our donors in Pakistan
All donors
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad)
Directorate-General International Partnerships (DG-INTPA)
ACT Church of Sweden (ACT CoS)
Innovation Norway (IN)
Why
Pakistan's population includes 29% aged 15-29, yet youth face limited opportunities for a safer future. Participation in political and governance processes is weak and ad hoc. 38% of children aged 5-16 are out of school, and adult literacy is 62%. The COVID- 19 economic downturn hit youth hard, shrinking the economy by 9%.
How
In 2021, NCA launched the Power to the Youth project in five Pakistani districts, aiming to empower marginalized youth for active roles in local development and governance. Participants received three-day training on youth activism, GBV, Leadership, Communications, Climate Change, and Social Accountability. They were organised into groups to act as community interfaces. Later, they received market-driven vocational training to generate income.
Result
Through the project, 6,394 youth (47% women) were trained to become community change agents. Organized into 50 groups, they initiated small schemes for infrastructure and cleanliness and were frontline responders during the 2022 floods. Additionally, 6,955 youth (56% girls/women) received up to three months of marketable vocational skills training. Tracer study results show that 69% of graduates are now earning an income.
Abdul Ghafoor from Sanghar district started his own business venter after completing vocational training as solar technician.
Local partners on this project
Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP), Rozan, Shirakat- Partnership for Development
Donor
DG INTPA- European Commission