The process of “Networking for Sharing of Training Resources" started in January 1997 when Human Resource Development Section of The National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) initiated.  The purpose of taking this initiative was bringing together various organizations involved in training and development of professionals and communities for sustainable development especially in non profit sector. This process was started by organizing the first workshop on “Networking for Sharing of Training Resources". This workshop was attended by different professionals from not- for-profit organizations. The issue of human resource development was discussed in detail and the workshop ended with a resolution to continue this effort.

Subsequently the series of the workshops of “Networking for Sharing of Training Resources", continued for next couple of years. National Rural Support Programme (NRSP), Extension Services Management Academy (ESMA) AJK, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) and IUCN, the World Conservation Union, hosted six workshops respectively. The agenda of all the workshops was networking for sharing resources with human resource development as a crosscutting theme. The proceedings of the workshops were shared with all the stakeholders.

The sixth workshop last of the series, was organized and attended by a large number of HRD professionals from all over Pakistan. After exhaustive discussions, the formulation of a professional forum was decided by the participants of the workshop. This forum would provide a platform for professionals to get together and discuss the subject on regular basis. The name for this forum was suggested as the Human Resource Development Network (HRDN). The basic idea behind HRDN’s creation was to bring together professionals and institutions engaged in training and capacity building.

HRDN was thus formed and registered under Societies Act 1860 in 1999. The initial secretariat was established in a one-room office at NRSP. As mutually decided in the workshop, the secretariat had to be located in different member organizations on rotational basis. But it continued to reside at NRSP till the launch of its independent premises in 2001. The present secretariat of the network was established with the support of AKF, in 2001.

HRD Network, which started its activities in March 2000, is registered under the Societies Act 1860. It has witnessed a steady growth in membership; currently there are over 109 organizations and more than 500 individuals as members in several countries