ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Flood Protection Plan has been delayed due to the federal government’s failure to secure timely funding from local and international institutions, according to official documents. The funding shortfall has prevented authorities from meeting targets aimed at protecting millions of acres of agricultural land, homes and critical infrastructure from flooding.
The documents show that the country has yet to receive the required financial support from international development partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for the Fourth National Flood Protection Plan.
The plan was upgraded following the devastating floods of 2022. The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved its updating in September 2022.
On the prime minister’s directives, the revised plan also incorporates risks posed by flash floods and hill torrents. It aims to protect 15.761 million people, 8.05 million acres of agricultural land and 2.2 million homes from potential flood damage.
The plan also includes measures to protect 331 kilometres of paved roads, 64 villages, 223 tube wells and agricultural infrastructure. Around 3,825 farming families are expected to benefit directly from the proposed interventions.
Under the financing framework, the federal government is expected to provide 20 per cent of the project cost, while provincial governments would contribute 10 per cent. The remaining 80 per cent is to be financed through donor funding.
The required foreign financing has been estimated at Rs155.7 billion. However, continued financial constraints have prompted recommendations to reduce the overall cost of the plan and focus on projects considered a priority.
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The Economic Affairs Division has been directed to take immediate steps to secure the required financing and move the plan forward.
The funding challenge comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s long-term efforts to strengthen flood protection. The country’s first National Flood Protection Plan, launched in 2010, had an estimated total cost of Rs332.24 billion.
Officials are now expected to reassess the scope and financing priorities of the latest plan as the government seeks to address delays caused by the lack of donor support.
