Apply now for I. A. Rehman Research Grant 2026 (Pakistan)

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) I. A. Rehman Research Grant 2026 supports original research on human rights issues in Pakistan. The grant provides PKR 800,000 to selected researchers studying legal frameworks, civil liberties, freedom of movement, constitutional rights, and the impact of restrictive measures on human rights communities.

About the I. A. Rehman Research Grant 2026

The I. A. Rehman Research Grant is an annual research funding programme launched by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) to encourage high-quality research on human rights challenges in Pakistan.

The grant was established in 2020 in memory of I. A. Rehman, a respected human rights defender and journalist who contributed significantly to human rights advocacy, democratic values, and freedom of expression.

The programme supports researchers whose work can contribute to:

Human rights scholarship.
Public policy discussions.
Evidence-based advocacy.
Protection of fundamental freedoms.

Research findings supported through the grant are published and shared with:

Policymakers.
Human rights defenders.
Academics.
Journalists.
Civil society organisations.

Purpose of the Grant

The main objective of the I. A. Rehman Research Grant is to support independent research that examines important human rights concerns in Pakistan.

The 2026 grant focuses specifically on research related to:

Legal restrictions on freedom of movement.
Use of anti-terrorism laws.
Constitutional protections.
International human rights standards.
Executive controls and restrictions.
Impact of legal measures on affected communities.

Research Themes and Priority Areas

Applicants are encouraged to submit research proposals related to the following areas:

Freedom of Movement and Legal Restrictions

Research may examine how legal frameworks affect:

Travel rights.
Reporting requirements.
Movement restrictions.
Administrative controls.

Studies should explore whether such measures comply with constitutional protections and international human rights obligations.

Anti-Terrorism Laws and Human Rights

The grant particularly supports research analysing:

Use of anti-terrorism provisions.
Expansion of counterterrorism measures beyond their original purpose.
Impact on civil liberties.
Due process concerns.

Constitutional Guarantees and International Standards

Research may assess:

Protection of fundamental rights under Pakistan’s Constitution.
Alignment with international human rights conventions.
Legal safeguards and accountability mechanisms.

Historical and Colonial Legal Frameworks

Applicants may explore:

Colonial origins of restrictive laws.
Continuation of historical legal structures.
Impact of inherited legal systems on present-day rights.

Impact on Civil Society and Vulnerable Groups

Research may document the effects of restrictive measures on:

Political workers.
Journalists.
Civil society activists.
Families of victims of enforced disappearance.

Funding Amount

For the 2026 cycle, HRCP will provide:

One research grant
Funding amount: PKR 800,000
Approximate amount after taxes: PKR 570,000

The grant supports a short-term research project that must be completed within:

Maximum duration: 2 months

Who Is Eligible?

The grant is open to:

Pakistani citizens.
Foreign nationals of Pakistani heritage.

Eligible applicants may include:

Academics.
Journalists.
Human rights defenders.
Researchers.
Professionals conducting original human rights research.

Research Requirements

The proposed research must:

Focus on human rights issues in Pakistan.
Be original and research-based.
Contribute to human rights knowledge or advocacy.
Be achievable within two months.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents:

Research Statement

A research statement of:

400–500 words.

The statement should explain:

The proposed research topic.
Its relevance to HRCP’s work.
Expected contribution to human rights research or advocacy.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Applicants must provide:

Updated CV.
Academic and professional background.
Relevant research or human rights experience.

Application Process Steps

Develop an original research idea related to the grant theme.
Prepare a 400–500-word research statement.
Update and submit CV details.
Ensure the research can be completed within two months.
Submit the complete application before the deadline.

Research Deliverables and Timeline

Selected applicants must complete the following stages:

Award recipient announcement: 20 August 2026
Draft research paper submission: 9 October 2026
Final research paper submission: 30 October 2026

Research paper requirements:

Draft paper length: 5,000–7,000 words
Final paper required after review and revisions.

The final instalment of funding will only be released after submission of the final research report.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Human rights research plays an important role in understanding legal systems, identifying rights violations, and improving public policy.

The I. A. Rehman Research Grant helps:

Generate evidence-based human rights research.
Strengthen advocacy efforts.
Document experiences of affected communities.
Support researchers working on critical rights issues.
Promote accountability and democratic values.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Select a focused and clearly defined research question.
Explain why the topic is important.
Connect research findings with human rights advocacy.
Use reliable sources and evidence.
Demonstrate understanding of constitutional and international human rights frameworks.
Show how the research can contribute to policy discussions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting general research ideas without a clear focus.
Ignoring the specific 2026 research theme.
Proposing research that cannot be completed within two months.
Failing to explain the human rights significance of the topic.
Submitting incomplete application documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the I. A. Rehman Research Grant?

The I. A. Rehman Research Grant is an annual HRCP research programme supporting original studies on human rights issues in Pakistan.

How much funding is available under the 2026 grant?

One selected researcher will receive PKR 800,000 before taxes.

Who can apply for this grant?

Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals of Pakistani heritage can apply.

What type of research does HRCP support?

The 2026 grant supports research on freedom of movement, anti-terrorism laws, constitutional rights, legal restrictions, and their impact on human rights.

How long should the research project take?

The proposed research must be completed within a maximum period of two months.

What documents are required for application?

Applicants must submit a 400–500-word research statement and an updated CV.

When must the final research paper be submitted?

The final research paper must be submitted by 30 October 2026.

Conclusion

The I. A. Rehman Research Grant 2026 provides an important opportunity for researchers, journalists, and human rights professionals to investigate critical human rights issues in Pakistan. By supporting original research on legal restrictions, civil liberties, and constitutional rights, the programme contributes to stronger human rights advocacy, informed policymaking, and greater public understanding of rights-related challenges.