ISLAMABAD: A recent assessment by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has estimated that approximately 3.3 million jobs may have been impacted by the 2025 floods in Pakistan. The assessment, part of a collaborative effort with the United Nations, Asian Development Bank, European Union, and World Bank, was aimed at reviewing and validating the preliminary assessment of flood damages, with the United Nations Development Programme leading the technical coordination.
According to United Nations Pakistan, the employment and livelihood loss assessment focused on 14 heavily affected districts across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The findings indicate that the majority of job losses occurred in nine districts within Punjab, with rural areas experiencing nearly 78 percent of the total estimated employment disruptions. The agriculture sector was identified as the most affected, followed by services and industry.
The assessment also pointed out that while provincial compensation measures provided immediate relief, there is an ongoing need for comprehensive support to restore livelihoods. It suggests recovery measures such as cash-for-work programs, skills training, and subsidized credit to aid households in resuming farm and non-farm economic activities.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, commented on the severe impact on livelihoods, especially for self-employed individuals, daily wage earners, small farmers, and vulnerable rural households. He emphasized the necessity of targeted employment recovery initiatives to assist communities in rebuilding.
Geir Tonstol, ILO Pakistan’s Country Director, stressed the importance of focusing recovery efforts on restoring employment and livelihoods. He reiterated the need for timely interventions that support decent work and long-term resilience to climate-induced disasters.
Both the Ministry and the ILO have committed to collaborating with employers’ and workers’ organizations, as well as other stakeholders, to support recovery through sustainable employment and livelihood initiatives.