Only 20% of 2022 Aid Pledges Released as Pakistan Battles New Floods
World Bank says Pakistan needs $348bn over next 7 years to tackle climate and development challenges
By Web Desk | August 28, 2025
Pakistan faces new floods as less than 20% of the 2022 aid pledges have been released. World Bank estimates the country will need $348 billion over the next seven years to tackle climate and development challenges.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is once again facing destructive monsoon floods, this time sweeping through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Punjab, raising alarm about the country’s increasing exposure to climate-driven disasters.
Three years after the devastating floods of 2022 — which displaced millions and caused damages estimated at $14.9 billion — recovery efforts remain far behind schedule. International donors pledged $10.9 billion at the 2023 Geneva Conference, but less than 20% of the promised funds have actually been released, leaving critical projects stalled.
Recovery Needs vs. Reality
The Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) had outlined $16.3 billion in recovery requirements over a 3–5 year period. This was translated into the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework (4RF), designed to guide aid distribution across 17 affected sectors.
Yet, progress has been limited. Out of the total pledges, only about $3.4 billion worth of projects are active, with much of the aid concentrated in infrastructure rather than in agriculture, health, or community resilience.
Donor Contributions and Gaps
Multilateral lenders — including the World Bank, ADB, AIIB, and IDB — have provided the bulk of financing, accounting for nearly 90% of total pledges.
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World Bank has initiated $2.1 billion in projects.
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ADB has operationalized nearly one-third of its pledged support.
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Islamic Development Bank allocated $600 million directly for flood recovery, while the rest went into commodity financing.
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Saudi Fund for Development’s $1 billion was tied to oil imports, limiting direct impact on flood relief.
In comparison, the Paris Club pledged $799 million, but by mid-2024, only 14.6% had been disbursed. Countries like France and Japan made early contributions, while Germany and Italy have been slower to respond.
Agriculture and Livelihoods Underfunded
One of the most alarming gaps lies in Strategic Recovery Objective 2 (SRO-2) — agriculture and livelihoods. Despite being the hardest-hit sectors and vital for Pakistan’s GDP and employment, they have received less than $200 million — just 4.5% of the estimated requirement.
This imbalance poses long-term risks, as rural communities in Sindh and Balochistan — among the worst affected — remain underserved.
The Bigger Picture: Climate and Development Costs
The World Bank has projected that Pakistan will need $348 billion over the next seven years to deal with climate adaptation and broader development challenges. Without steady financing, the country risks falling behind in both disaster resilience and economic growth.
Images of submerged villages, ruined crops, and displaced families highlight the urgent need for timely support, not just pledges on paper.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s recovery blueprint is ambitious but achievable if donor commitments are translated into actual disbursements. Experts stress the need for a balance between infrastructure investment and social support — ensuring that agriculture, healthcare, and vulnerable communities receive adequate attention.
As new floods hit the country once again, the gap between promises and delivery is a stark reminder that building resilience requires not only global solidarity but also efficient, transparent mechanisms to ensure aid reaches those who need it most.
