In March 2001 Islamic Relief conducted a participatory rural appraisal of Neelum Valley in which Sustainable Livelihoods was identified as a major area of work. Based on the assessment at the end of 2001 Islamic Relief initiated work on Sustainable Livelihoods.
 

The project aims to mobilise the stakeholders (Government, private, social and financial sectors) to help the communities overcome their vulnerability. Working in an integrated manner, the programme aims to identify activities and trainings, which will help provide the catalyst to communities, for maintaining and improving their livelihoods, without harming the indigenous cultural and natural resource base.