Islamabad: The Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, presided over the fourth meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee (PSC) and the Oversight Board on Post-Flood Reconstruction Activities, focusing on the progress and challenges of ongoing recovery projects following the devastating floods of 2022. High-level officials, including provincial chief secretaries and representatives from international organizations like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, attended the meeting to discuss updates on reconstruction efforts and financial pledges.
According to Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, the agenda of the meeting included a thorough review of the decisions from the previous PSC meeting, assessment of the ongoing projects under the Resilient, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework (4RF), and updates on coordination with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The attendees also examined the current status of financial commitments made for flood recovery and reconstruction.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal opened the meeting by recounting the severe impact of the 2022 floods, which affected one-third of Pakistan, displacing approximately 8 million people and resulting in significant loss of life and economic damage. The floods highlighted the country’s acute vulnerability to climate change effects, despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse emissions.
The meeting further detailed the 4RF, the government’s strategic policy for guiding recovery, which aims to enhance governance, revive economic opportunities, promote social inclusion, and restore essential services in a resilient manner. The framework is crucial for addressing the extensive damages and economic losses, which are estimated at over $30 billion, with a current funding shortfall of around $17.1 billion despite international pledges.
Minister Iqbal emphasized the importance of collaboration with development partners and the swift implementation of recovery projects to ensure effective rebuilding and restoration of livelihoods. He also highlighted the challenges in aligning long-term resilience strategies with the immediate recovery needs, noting a shift in focus recommended by partners as the Geneva Conference approached.
The discussion also covered the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP), particularly focusing on delays in Balochistan, one of the hardest-hit and least developed regions. The project, with a budget of $400 million, aims to assist homeowners in rebuilding resilient homes and supporting agricultural recovery.
In conclusion, Minister Iqbal directed all relevant ministries to address any hindrances to flood-resilient projects promptly and instructed the completion of necessary project documents within 15 days to avoid further delays.