The role of faith in the charity and development sector in Karachi and Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

'Faith-based organizations'(FBOs) are gaining increasing attention in development circles amongst practitioners, funders and policy-makers, as well as academics. There has been some discussion of the meaning of the term 'FBO' in academic circles, but little empirical research has been conducted on how the term is defined in different contexts. In addition, especially in developing countries, there is little research on what kinds of FBOs actually exist, and how they approach and either contribute to or hinder processes of development. Futhermore, little is known about how, if at all, these organizations differ from 'secular' non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This report explores how 'faith-based organizations' are understood and operate in the Pakistani context, with a focus on Karachi and Sindh.