ISLAMABAD, Sep 9 (Alliance News): Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, stressed the need to swiftly address gaps and obstacles in flood-resilient projects.
Chairing the 4th meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee (PSC) and the Oversight Board on Post-Flood Reconstruction Activities, he directed all relevant ministries to resolve delays with “zero tolerance.”
Iqbal instructed that incomplete project documents be returned within 15 days to avoid further delays.
The meeting, attended by key government officials and international partners such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and UN representatives, focused on the progress of post-flood recovery efforts and financial pledges.
Recalling the devastation caused by the 2022 floods, which affected 33 million people and displaced 8 million, the minister highlighted the urgency of implementing Pakistan’s Resilient, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework (4RF).
This framework aims to rebuild communities and strengthen infrastructure while promoting long-term resilience against future climate disasters.
The floods resulted in a loss of $30 billion for Pakistan, with recovery needs estimated at $16.2 billion. So far, $10.9 billion has been pledged for recovery efforts. Iqbal emphasized the importance of transparency and efficiency in project implementation to rebuild affected areas and restore livelihoods.
He expressed concern over delays in flood reconstruction efforts in Balochistan, urging faster progress, especially in the most underdeveloped regions.
The $400 million Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP) will assist homeowners, farmers, and local communities in rebuilding homes, improving agriculture, and restoring essential services.
