The Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan has joined forces with Bank Alfalah to initiate a comprehensive rehabilitation program aimed at restoring vital infrastructure and fostering long-term resilience in the flood-ravaged regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. This strategic partnership addresses the severe aftermath of the August 2025 monsoon season, which saw the region endure a catastrophic combination of flash floods, glacial lake outbursts, and debris flows. By combining the philanthropic reach of the foundation with the corporate social responsibility of one of Pakistan’s leading commercial banks, the initiative seeks to rebuild the foundations of daily life for thousands of families currently residing in high-risk zones.
The formal launch of the program was marked by a high-profile gathering in the presence of His Excellency Salem Mohammed Alzaabi, the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan. The event also drew participation from influential global development entities, including the Asian Development Bank, the European Union, and Global Affairs Canada. This diverse coalition of stakeholders underscores the international significance of the project and highlights a shared global commitment to climate adaptation in Pakistan’s northern territories. The project specifically honors the historic and strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan, a relationship long defined by collaborative humanitarian efforts and sustainable development goals.
With a total financial commitment of 57.05 million rupees, the project is primarily fueled by a 50 million rupee grant from Bank Alfalah, supplemented by 7.05 million rupees from the Aga Khan Foundation. These funds are earmarked for the reconstruction of essential community assets that were crippled during the 2025 floods. Key interventions focus on the restoration of drinking water supply schemes, which are critical for public health, and the rehabilitation of irrigation channels necessary to revive the agricultural livelihoods of the mountain communities. Furthermore, the construction of flood mitigation structures will provide a defensive barrier for settlements and valuable farmland against future environmental hazards.
The geographical focus of the initiative spans the districts of Gilgit, Ghizer, and Hunza, where it is expected to directly benefit more than 10,600 individuals and indirectly support nearly 13,000 more. Beyond hard infrastructure, the program also prioritizes emergency preparedness by replenishing stocks of winterized tents for high-risk valleys. In a notable extension of its educational support, the partnership includes a 9.3 million rupee allocation for the installation of a 25KV solar power system at a school in Chitral. This clean energy solution is designed to provide a reliable learning environment for students and faculty, ensuring that educational activities are not disrupted by energy shortages.
Execution of the program will be led by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, and Focus Humanitarian Assistance, ensuring a multi-disciplinary approach to recovery. A core philosophy of the project is community ownership; local residents will be deeply involved in the maintenance and management of the rehabilitated infrastructure to ensure its functionality for years to come. Atif Bajwa, President and CEO of Bank Alfalah, reiterated that this investment is a reflection of the bank’s dedication to its country and community. Similarly, Akhtar Iqbal, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, emphasized that the goal is not merely to rebuild what was lost, but to empower families to recover with dignity while strengthening their defenses against future climate shocks.
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