ISLAMABAD: Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan and Bank Alfalah have launched a rehabilitation programme aimed at restoring damaged infrastructure and improving climate resilience in flood-affected communities across Gilgit-Baltistan following the devastating monsoon floods of 2025.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Focus Humanitarian Assistance and the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, will support communities impacted by flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods and cloudbursts in the region.

The programme was announced at an event attended by UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Alzaabi, senior representatives of Bank Alfalah and Aga Khan institutions, along with officials from international development organisations including the Asian Development Bank, Global Affairs Canada, the European Union and Concern Worldwide.

According to organisers, the August 2025 floods caused extensive damage to drinking water systems, irrigation channels, bridges and homes across several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, disrupting access to basic services and affecting local livelihoods.

The rehabilitation programme has a total budget of PKR 57.05 million, including a PKR 50 million grant from Bank Alfalah and PKR 7.05 million contributed by Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan.

The project will focus on restoring drinking water supply schemes, rehabilitating irrigation channels, constructing flood protection infrastructure and replenishing emergency shelter stocks. Organisers said the initiative is expected to directly benefit more than 10,600 people and indirectly support nearly 13,000 residents in Gilgit, Ghizer and Hunza districts.

Officials said the programme will also prioritise community participation and coordination with local authorities to ensure long-term sustainability and maintenance of the rehabilitated infrastructure.

Bank Alfalah President and CEO Atif Bajwa said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting flood-affected communities and investing in long-term community development initiatives.

Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan said the programme aims not only to restore damaged infrastructure but also to strengthen community resilience against future climate-related disasters.