The Civil Services Academy (CSA), in strategic partnership with the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP), successfully held a high-level policy workshop titled “Engaging with Evidence: Training Officers as Future Smart Policy Champions” at the CSA Walton Campus, Lahore.
This workshop marks a significant step in the broader launch of the Capacity Building & Research Advisory Group, a joint initiative by CSA and CERP to institutionalize evidence-based policymaking in Pakistan’s civil service. The event convened a cohort of early to mid-career civil servants for a day of immersive learning, policy dialogue, and networking.
The day began with registration, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran and a presentation of the CTP Transformation Videos, showcasing CSA’s commitment to modernizing governance training. The workshop was formally opened with welcome remarks by Dr. Syed Shabbir Akbar Zaidi Director, Capacity Building, who highlighted the importance of cultivating a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and continuous learning among young officers.
The workshop featured a series of interactive training sessions led by CERP faculty, focused on building essential policy evaluation and analytical skills:
“Engaging with Evidence” sessions explored practical tools for evidence-informed decision-making and included dynamic group presentations facilitated by CERP and CSA Teaching Fellows.
Shabeeh Haider Raza (CERP) introduced the Survey and Research Track, providing officers with an overview of upcoming research activities and their expected contributions.
Participants engaged in hands-on survey completion and feedback activities, creating space for reflection and applied learning. A major highlight of the event was a keynote talk by Dr. Adnan Qadir Khan, Chief Economist, FCDO, who emphasized the transformative power of evidence in policymaking during an insightful address followed by an engaging Q&A session.
The event concluded with a keynote speech by Mr. Farhan Aziz Khawaja, Director-General of CSA, who underlined the indispensable role of research and data in informed governance. He also distributed shields among key facilitators and contributors, acknowledging their efforts in promoting a forward-thinking policy mindset. The day ended with a group photo and a networking lunch.
This workshop served as a launchpad for embedding a research-oriented culture within the civil service and empowering officers to act as policy champions driving forward institutional reform and innovation.