About Us
We are an assemblage of scholars dedicated to achieving higher standards of intellectual excellence and integrity with the goal of helping bridge the gap between the theory and practice of social sciences. Our PeopleOur WorkOur Mission & Objective
Roads Initiative is an independent think-tank based in Islamabad.
Through Roads Initiative, we aim to unite a diverse array of social sciences scholars and academic experts to help improve our academic culture by advancing the quality of Pakistan’s social sciences academy. We seek to do so by inspiring social scientists to engage with the policy community in order to combine knowledge and policy-making to impact future policy processes through better policy inputs, greater inclusivity of ideas, and vibrant academic discussions. As a space for knowledge sharing and mutual learning we aspire to effectively impact policy by making useful contributions to the decision-making process through publications, conferences and seminars. Our interdisciplinary research is conducted in a spirit of total academic freedom.
Mission & Objective
Our objective is to deliver rigorous research-based analysis on various aspects of social sciences ranging from high value research essays to high quality policy commentary in order to meaningfully contribute to the upgradation of the social sciences both in theory and practice. Our ambition is to achieve this by:
- Providing academic experts the environment and resources to use their knowledge for providing analysis and policy options that are meant to be operational.
- Facilitating the mentoring of young scholars by exposing them to opportunities and trainings through which they can advance and circulate their knowledge.
- Strengthening alternative voices by creating the platform to offer policy advices and contributions.
- Creating a knowledge sharing platform that focuses on research, capacity building and best practices.
Our Mission & Objective
Roads Initiative is an independent think-tank based in Islamabad.
Through Roads Initiative, we aim to unite a diverse array of social sciences scholars and academic experts to help improve our academic culture by advancing the quality of Pakistan’s social sciences academy. We seek to do so by inspiring social scientists to engage with the policy community in order to combine knowledge and policy-making to impact future policy processes through better policy inputs, greater inclusivity of ideas, and vibrant academic discussions. As a space for knowledge sharing and mutual learning we aspire to effectively impact policy by making useful contributions to the decision-making process through publications, conferences and seminars. Our interdisciplinary research is conducted in a spirit of total academic freedom.
Mission & Objective
Our objective is to deliver rigorous research-based analysis on various aspects of social sciences ranging from high value research essays to high quality policy commentary in order to meaningfully contribute to the upgradation of the social sciences both in theory and practice. Our ambition is to achieve this by:
- Providing academic experts the environment and resources to use their knowledge for providing analysis and policy options that are meant to be operational.
- Facilitating the mentoring of young scholars by exposing them to opportunities and trainings through which they can advance and circulate their knowledge.
- Strengthening alternative voices by creating the platform to offer policy advices and contributions.
- Creating a knowledge sharing platform that focuses on research, capacity building and best practices.
Our Values
We are guided by strong values and core professional ethics in everything we do. Our values ensure that we maintain our credibility and innovation in an enabling environment where new opportunities are constantly explored through an embedded culture. Mostly importantly, these values help us guide our young scholars on their intellectual journey.
Equity
We believe in equity and recognize that each person has different circumstances and is inhibited by different sets of structural inequalities. As a consequence they require allocation of a different set of resources and opportunities to reach their goals.
Independence
We believe that the independence of our thinking, as much as its rigour, is the foundation on which our knowledge should build. It is this recognition of independence which we promote inside and outside the Initiative to build a more tolerant society.
Non-discrimination
We strongly believe in gender equity across our organization and in our public presence and activities, supported by the principle of non-discrimination.
Trust
We believe that the cornerstone stone of any relationship is trust which leads to a culture of respect, collaboration, professionalism, and compassion.
Our Values
We are guided by strong values and core professional ethics in everything we do. Our values ensure that we maintain our credibility and innovation in an enabling environment where new opportunities are constantly explored through an embedded culture. Mostly importantly, these values help us guide our young scholars on their intellectual journey.
Equity
We believe in equity and recognize that each person has different circumstances and is inhibited by different sets of structural inequalities. As a consequence they require allocation of a different set of resources and opportunities to reach their goals.
Independence
We believe that the independence of our thinking, as much as its rigour, is the foundation on which our knowledge should build. It is this recognition of independence which we promote inside and outside the Initiative to build a more tolerant society.
Non-discrimination
We strongly believe in gender equity across our organization and in our public presence and activities, supported by the principle of non-discrimination.
Trust
We believe that the cornerstone stone of any relationship is trust which leads to a culture of respect, collaboration, professionalism, and compassion.
Who We Are
Our Team and Leadership
We are a group of scholars who have come together to achieve three goals. Firstly, we aspire to contribute meaningfully to international knowledge production processes; secondly to act as a bridge between the policy and the academic community by initiating relevant policy discussions grounded in research; and thirdly to inspire and train young scholars in social sciences to produce effective policy research.
Dr. Ahmed Waqas Waheed
Executive Director
Dr. Ahmed Waqas Waheed has a Masters in International Relations from the University of Sussex, UK and a PhD in Political Science from Queen Mary University of London, UK. He has published widely including two books: The Wrong Ally: Pakistan’s State Sovereignty under US Dependence and Constructing Pakistan through Knowledge Production in International Relations and Area Studies. He has also delivered academic and policy-oriented lectures and seminars at national and international forums.
Who We Are
Our Team and Leadership
We are a group of scholars who have come together to achieve three goals. Firstly, we aspire to contribute meaningfully to international knowledge production processes; secondly to act as a bridge between the policy and the academic community by initiating relevant policy discussions grounded in research; and thirdly to inspire and train young scholars in social sciences to produce effective policy research.
Dr. Ahmed Waqas Waheed
Executive Director
Dr. Ahmed Waqas Waheed has a Masters in International Relations from the University of Sussex, UK and a PhD in Political Science from Queen Mary University of London, UK. He has published widely including two books: The Wrong Ally: Pakistan’s State Sovereignty under US Dependence and Constructing Pakistan through Knowledge Production in International Relations and Area Studies. He has also delivered academic and policy-oriented lectures and seminars at national and international forums.