Foreign Offices
At an international level, the Agency makes use of a network of 19 foreign offices for the management of development cooperation initiatives in the relevant countries.
Africa
Asia
Latin America
Europe
Partners
AICS Islamabad implements its projects, in collaboration with many national and international organizations, operating in the crucial sectors of environment, climate change, infrastructure, agriculture, business, education and women's empowerment. Our synergy with partners is fundamental for the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Regarding bilateral relationships with other donors, AICS Islamabad takes part to European Union, United Nations and World Bank working groups focusing on development and humanitarian aid, in particular it is committed to the International Partnership Support Group.
Structure and Staff
The staff of the AICS office in Islamabad, which also has competence over Afghanistan, consists, in addition to the head of office, of fourteen people who serve as experts in the fields of infrastructure, environment, rural development, cultural heritage preservation, communication, gender equality, and humanitarian assistance in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This team is further supported by personnel responsible for administration, secretarial duties, and drivers.
Profile and objectives
Italian cooperation in Pakistan began in the 1980s, focusing on rural development and poverty reduction. Earlier roots include the 1955 archaeological mission and the 1954 K2 expedition, which expanded into climate research with Ev-K2-CNR in 1989. From 2002 to 2021, Italy supported Afghanistan in governance, health, and culture. In 2021, Italy moved Afghan programs to Islamabad after political changes. Italy continues humanitarian efforts in the region.
Head of office
Since July 2026, Paolo Gallizioli is Head of the AICS Office in Islamabad, overseeing activities in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Throughout his development career, he also has extensive experience in providing quality assurance support to EU-funded cooperation programmes (Indirect management and PRAG) and multi-annual and annual Italian bilateral cooperation programmes.
