Accountability and resilience

Political upheaval, frequent changes in government lead to officials finding it easier to misappropriate funds, aid

A year and a half later since the devastating floods of 2022, millions of Pakistanis still require humanitarian assistance and access to essential services. One-third of the country was submerged, affecting nearly 33 million people, a majority of whom were women and children. The hardest-hit regions were among the most vulnerable in the country, where people already lacked critical infrastructure and basic services such as healthcare, sanitation, education, etc. The EU has recently pledged assistance worth 100 million euros by signing five new grant agreements.

Pakistan has had a poor track record with the utilisation of funds and distribution of aid meant for people affected by natural disasters. As a result, locals, climate activists and civil advocates approach announcements of grants and agreements with caution. Political upheaval and frequent changes in government have created an environment where officials find it easier to misappropriate funds and aid. Rather than ensuring accountability, there is a tendency to shift blame onto predecessors and political opponents. Amidst this political quagmire, people continue to endure and grapple with daily challenges on their own. The infrastructure in many flood-hit areas remains unrepaired and unrehabilitated, adversely impacting people’s livelihoods and preventing thousands of children from accessing education. Many families are struggling to regain stability and have to fend for themselves to afford even a single meal.

The support package aims to encourage resilience in communities affected by the floods by resurrecting the rural economy of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The aid must be utilised appropriately to not only rebuild and rehabilitate the affected communities but also empower locals to deal with future climate challenges. This will enable them to better cope with and adapt to the challenges posed by changing environmental conditions and ease the burden on the government’s resources.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2024.

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