Development Implications of Local Shrines in Rawalpindi I PIDE Seminar

Development Implications of Local Shrines in Rawalpindi Local shrines are more than spiritual spaces. They are living social institutions that shape community networks, influence local economic activity, and contribute to the everyday character of urban life. In this seminar hosted by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Dr. Anita Weiss (Professor Emerita of Global Studies, University of Oregon, USA) shares key insights from field research in Rawalpindi, exploring how local shrines intersect with religion, space, development, and the informal economy. The discussion examines how these spaces function beyond worship, including their role in: Building social cohesion and community support systems Supporting small-scale livelihoods and local markets Shaping urban identity and shared public spaces Influencing perceptions of development at the neighborhood level Moderated by Dr. Zulfiqar Ali (Associate Professor, PIDE), the session offers an evidence-based perspective on how local institutions and cultural spaces can inform development thinking and urban policy in Pakistan. #UrbanDevelopment #LocalEconomy #PolicyDialogue #Shrines #Rawalpindi