Khyber Pakhtunkhwa launches Pakistan’s first provincial disaster risk policy

The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched Pakistan’s first sub-national Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Policy. Unveiled at a ceremony in Peshawar, the five-year framework aims to transition the province from a reactive relief-based approach to one of proactive preparedness and scientific risk mitigation.

The policy focuses on prevention, early warning systems, risk-informed development, and disaster risk financing. It also includes Adaptive Social Protection to safeguard vulnerable households against climate and disaster-related shocks. Information Minister Shafi Ullah Jan stated the policy is a commitment to protecting the lives and property of the province’s 40 million citizens.

Developed with support from the German government, specifically the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the initiative was attended by diplomats and humanitarian organizations. Dr. Mirjam Büdenbender-Buchholz, representing the German Embassy, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to building provincial resilience, noting that risks are increasing due to population growth, deforestation, and insufficient land-use planning.