Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, in partnership with Bank Alfalah, one of the leading commercial banks in Pakistan, has launched a rehabilitation programme to restore critical infrastructure and strengthen resilience in flood-affected communities across Gilgit-Baltistan. The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Focus Humanitarian Assistance, and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme.
The event was attended by His Excellency Salem Mohammed Alzaabi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, alongside senior leadership from Bank Alfalah and the Aga Khan Foundation. The gathering brought together key stakeholders from the development community, including the Asian Development Bank, Global Affairs Canada, the European Union, and Concern Worldwide, reflecting a strong, multi-partner commitment to advancing climate resilience and community rehabilitation efforts in the region.
The programme follows the devastating impacts of the August 2025 monsoon floods, which triggered flash floods, debris flows, cloudbursts, and glacial lake outburst floods across the region. According to assessments, key community infrastructure, including drinking water supply systems, irrigation channels, bridges, and homes, sustained extensive damage, leaving many vulnerable communities without access to essential services.
Key interventions include the rehabilitation of multiple drinking water supply schemes to restore access to safe water for thousands of households, reconstruction of irrigation channels to revive agricultural livelihoods, and construction of flood mitigation structures to protect vulnerable settlements and land from future hazards. Additionally, the replenishment of emergency winterized tents will enhance disaster preparedness in high-risk valleys.
With a total project budget of PKR 57.05 million, including a PKR 50 million grant from Bank Alfalah, and PKR 7.05 million from Aga Khan Foundation, the initiative will focus on restoring safe drinking water supply schemes, rehabilitating irrigation channels, constructing flood protection works, and replenishing emergency shelter stocks. The project will directly benefit over 10,600 individuals and indirectly support nearly 13,000 people across the districts of Gilgit, Ghizer, and Hunza. The project will also include a PKR 9.3 million partnership for providing a 25KV solar system for a school in Chitral to facilitate students and faculty members.
Implementation will be guided by strong community engagement and coordination with local authorities to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are prioritized. The programme is designed with a focus on sustainability, with community ownership and maintenance mechanisms embedded to ensure long-term functionality of rehabilitated infrastructure.
In this context, it is worth highlighting the prominent role played by the United Arab Emirates in advancing global sustainability and climate action efforts, through the implementation of development and humanitarian initiatives that strengthen community resilience to environmental challenges. These efforts are a natural extension of the longstanding and historic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which are rooted in close cooperation and a strategic partnership, particularly in the areas of sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, and support to communities affected by natural disasters.
Atif Bajwa, the President and CEO of Bank Alfalah Limited, emphasised the commitment of Bank to contribute to the development of communities in Pakistan and shared, “We are proud to partner with the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan in launching this vital rehabilitation initiative, reflecting our enduring commitment to responsible banking and driving meaningful community investment. Guided by our focus on customers, colleagues, community, and country, this programme reinforces our resolve to support flood-impacted communities.”
Akhtar Iqbal, the Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan noted that, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to not only rebuild what has been lost but to strengthen the resilience of communities against future shocks. By restoring essential infrastructure such as water systems and irrigation networks, and investing in preparedness, we are enabling families in Gilgit-Baltistan to recover with dignity and security. We are grateful to Bank Alfalah for their timely support and collaboration in reaching the most affected communities.”