Pakistan

The Worst Climate Disaster in Decades

Pakistan is facing the effects of the worst climate disaster in 30 years, despite having a trivial share in the global carbon emission. The rise in global temperatures led to the disastrous floods in October 2022, which left a staggering 33 million people in need of dire humanitarian assistance. Up to 2.2 million people lost their homes, over 1.1 million livestock perished, and more than 4.4 million acres of crops were destroyed. 

Since December 2022, the Islamic Relief global family has been working together to help rehabilitate flood-affected families through the following:

• Reconstructing damaged homes and infrastructure
• Helping farmers and pastoralists build sustainable livelihoods and revitalize the agricultural sector
• Helping prevent gender-based violence in temporary living shelters through establishing safe spaces for women and children including referral pathways and gender-appropriate sanitation facilities
• Counseling and psychosocial support to address the psychological impact of the floods

So far, we’ve been able to reach over 86,000 people across the country. By the end of 2024, our goal is to help bring hope to over 258,000 of our brothers and sisters in Pakistan.

Focus on Pakistan

Pakistan has the fifth largest population in the world. The country is sorely affected by political and economic volatility as well as natural disasters caused by climate change, such as the recent floods, all of which have led to food insecurity and chronic poverty. Marginalized groups, especially children, lack proper access to essential services. 

In certain parts of the country, agriculture is a main source of income. Without access to water, the livestock suffer and people’s livelihoods are at risk. Islamic Relief is monitoring the situation on the ground. Our immediate response includes access to water; the provision of drought resilient crops and animal fodder for livestock; and health interventions regarding nutrition. 

Islamic Relief’s Dedication to Pakistan

Islamic Relief has served in Pakistan since 1992, and continues to provide humanitarian and development assistance across the country today.

A few of our interventions include:

• Food aid
• Access to clean and safe water
• Healthcare for blindness and Hepatitis C, as well as neonatal and pediatric care
• Emergency response for the effects of climate change including drought and floods
• Building sustainable livelihoods including innovative microfinancing plans to help low-income families start businesses
• Widow empowerment