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Programme Areas

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 934,301 households 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.

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