Pakistan Secures $3 Billion for 21 Uplift Projects in Flood-Hit Regions
In a significant move to address the aftermath of the devastating floods that wreaked havoc across Pakistan in 2022, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved a series of development projects totaling $3 billion. These projects, part of the Resilient, Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction (4RF) framework initiated by the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, aim to rebuild and uplift flood-affected areas.
Business Recorder 
ISLAMABAD: Last year's torrential rains and flooding, particularly in Balochistan and Sindh, left a staggering impact on the nation, affecting 33 million people and causing economic losses estimated at $30 billion. In response, the government devised the comprehensive 4RF framework, emphasizing effective coordination among federal and provincial governments, development partners, international and national NGOs, and the private sector.
To garner support for these crucial efforts, Pakistan secured pledges of $10 billion from donors during the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan, jointly hosted by Pakistan and the UN in Geneva earlier this year.
The CDWP has now approved 21 development projects under the 4RF framework, encompassing a wide range of initiatives. These include the Emergency Flood Assistance Project (EFAP) with a focus on Farm Water Management, Access to Clean Energy, Disaster Risk Reduction projects for Rehabilitation/Reconstruction, and the Resilience Enhancement and Livelihood program, among others. These projects span various sectors, from agriculture and energy to infrastructure and health.
The execution of these projects will be carried out by the respective provinces, which include Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Funding for these projects will be provided by international institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Islamic Development Bank.
Sindh and Balochistan, the hardest-hit provinces during the 2022 floods, will particularly benefit from these projects, which aim to rebuild and enhance their infrastructure and resilience.
To ensure the efficient implementation of these projects, a Federal Steering Committee (FSC) has been established. The FSC has been actively working to oversee the progress, and it has held multiple meetings to discuss the status of project implementation in the flood-affected areas.
In a bid for transparency and accountability, the government is set to launch the first-ever exclusive Dashboard for 4RF by November 10 at the Planning Ministry. This real-time monitoring tool will provide the public and development partners with up-to-date information on the execution of these critical development projects.
Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change impacts, including floods, droughts, and melting glaciers, has prompted the country to actively seek solutions. Despite contributing less than one percent of global carbon emissions, Pakistan is among the nations most vulnerable to climate-related disasters. The country raised its concerns at the COP27 summit in Egypt last year.
The World Bank has already commended Pakistan's efforts in securing approval for these essential projects and has pledged continued support for the nation's ongoing endeavors.
