Floods in Pakistan have shifted from being rare disasters to recurring national crises. The 2010 floods affected over 20 million people and caused damages worth nearly $30 billion. In 2022, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa alone suffered $270 million in damages, displacing 675,000 people. This year, more than 800 lives have already been lost, with damages still being assessed. Despite these staggering figures, government response has remained largely reactive, mobilising only when disaster strikes. Communities are left vulnerable, with little preparation or protection.
Following the 2022 floods, the Flood Response Plan (FRP) was developed with input from governments, international partners and UNDP. It aimed to provide immediate relief and “build back better”. Presented by the Prime Minister in Geneva, the FRP helped Pakistan secure $9 billion in loans and grants for climate resilience — a strong demonstration of political leadership and international solidarity. However, nearly two years on, progress has been negligible due to bureaucratic complacency and weak implementation.
The FRP contained strong measures: watershed and river basin management to reduce flood risks; afforestation and anti-desertification programmes to strengthen ecosystems; district-level vulnerability indices for evidence-based preparedness; and flood insurance to protect vulnerable households. It also emphasised the importance of citizen engagement and risk communication, without which policies remain ineffective.
To prevent repeated devastation, Pakistan must urgently establish specialised climate change and resilience units led by experts rather than generalist bureaucrats. These should drive evidence-based planning and adopt global best practices. Bangladesh, for instance, has successfully reduced cyclone-related deaths through early warning systems, community shelters and disaster preparedness programmes.
Pakistan cannot afford to wait for the next deluge. With floods becoming deadlier and more frequent, only proactive and sustained measures will prevent lives, livelihoods and the future from being washed away.
Muhammad Babar Jan
Peshawar
