Islamabad: Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan and Bank Alfalah have initiated a PKR 66 million rehabilitation program targeting flood-affected communities in Gilgit-Baltistan. The initiative is set to restore critical infrastructure and bolster community resilience following last year's devastating monsoon floods.
According to The Aga Khan University, the program will be implemented in collaboration with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Focus Humanitarian Assistance, and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme. The launch event was attended by His Excellency Salem Mohammed Alzaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, as well as senior leadership from Bank Alfalah and the Aga Khan Foundation. Other stakeholders, including the Asian Development Bank and Global Affairs Canada, participated, demonstrating a broad commitment to climate resilience and rehabilitation efforts in the region.
The August 2025 monsoon floods caused significant damage to essential community infrastructure, including drinking water systems, irrigation channels, bridges, and homes. Intervention plans feature the rehabilitation of water supply schemes, reconstruction of irrigation channels, and construction of flood mitigation structures. Emergency preparedness will also be enhanced with the replenishment of winterized tents.
The project, with a budget of PKR 57.05 million, comprises a PKR 50 million grant from Bank Alfalah and PKR 7.05 million from the Aga Khan Foundation. It aims to benefit over 10,600 individuals directly and support nearly 13,000 people indirectly in Gilgit, Ghizer, and Hunza districts. Additionally, the project includes a PKR 9.3 million partnership to provide a 25KV solar system for a school in Chitral, aiding students and faculty.
Strong community engagement and coordination with local authorities will guide the implementation, ensuring priority for vulnerable populations. The program emphasizes sustainability, with embedded community ownership and maintenance mechanisms for long-term infrastructure functionality.
Atif Bajwa, President and CEO of Bank Alfalah Limited, expressed the bank's commitment to responsible banking and community investment. Akhtar Iqbal, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, highlighted the partnership's focus on rebuilding and strengthening community resilience against future shocks.