The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched Pakistan’s first sub-national Disaster Risk Reduction Policy. The policy was unveiled at a high-level ceremony in Peshawar.
The launch ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s House. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority and Relief Department jointly organized the event.
The policy was developed with support from the German Government. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development provided assistance.
The ceremony brought together government officials and development partners. Diplomats, humanitarian organizations, academics, civil society members, and media representatives also attended.
Focus on Disaster Risk Reduction
The five-year policy provides a framework for reducing disaster risks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It focuses on prevention, preparedness, and stronger community resilience.
The framework includes early warning systems and risk-informed development. It also covers disaster risk financing and Adaptive Social Protection.
These measures aim to protect vulnerable households from climate and disaster-related shocks. The policy seeks to improve preparation before emergencies occur.
Information Minister Shafi Ullah Jan represented the Chief Minister at the ceremony. He described the policy as an important milestone for the province.
He said the government aims to move away from a reactive relief approach. The new framework promotes proactive planning based on scientific methods.
The government intends to identify risks before disasters occur. It also plans to reduce their potential impact through systematic measures.
Germany Reaffirms Support
Dr. Mirjam Büdenbender-Buchholz represented the German Embassy during the ceremony. She congratulated the provincial government and PDMA.
She reaffirmed Germany’s support for building disaster resilience in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She also highlighted factors contributing to rising disaster risks.
These factors include population growth and the expansion of informal settlements. Weak land-use planning and deforestation were also highlighted.
She said disaster risk can increase over time without effective preventive measures. The policy aims to reduce both disaster likelihood and potential impacts.
Disaster Management and Governance
The Chief Secretary said disaster management should become part of governance and development. He described it as essential for sustainable governance.
He also linked disaster preparedness with fiscal responsibility. Better planning can help reduce the financial consequences of future disasters.
GIZ Pakistan highlighted the importance of connecting disaster management with social protection. This approach considers poverty and disaster exposure together.
The Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department Secretary called the launch the beginning of implementation. He stressed the need for continued cooperation among government departments.
The policy will require coordination between public institutions and other stakeholders. Its implementation will focus on turning the framework into practical measures.
The government aims to build a more resilient Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the new policy. Disaster preparedness will become more closely linked with development planning.
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The framework also seeks to strengthen inclusive development and social protection. It represents a shift toward managing risks before disasters cause major damage.
