ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has revealed that Pakistan is facing a $17.1 billion shortfall in its recovery efforts from the devastating floods of 2022, which inflicted a total damage of $30 billion. The estimated recovery needs stand at $16.2 billion, while international donors have so far pledged $10.9 billion.
Iqbal shared these figures during the 4th meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee and the Oversight Board on Post-Flood Reconstruction Activities. The meeting brought together senior government officials, international partners like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, and representatives from the UN and the EU.
According to the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), the floods caused $14.9 billion in damages and $15.2 billion in economic losses. The disaster affected 33 million people and submerged a third of the country, leaving over two million homes damaged, with 780,000 completely destroyed.
The minister emphasized the ongoing efforts under Pakistan’s Resilient, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework (4RF), which focuses on restoring livelihoods, reviving economic opportunities, and rebuilding critical infrastructure. However, he stressed the urgent need for faster project implementation, particularly in underdeveloped regions like Balochistan, where reconstruction has faced delays.
Iqbal called for better coordination with development partners and urged relevant ministries to overcome obstacles in implementing flood-resilient projects, making it clear that further delays are unacceptable. One notable initiative is the $400 million Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP), aimed at supporting housing reconstruction and climate-smart agriculture in affected communities.
Despite some progress, Iqbal highlighted the pressing need to address climate change and its effects on Pakistan’s agriculture, particularly its impact on crop yields, such as cotton. He reiterated the importance of long-term adaptation and resilience in the ongoing flood recovery efforts.
