PAK Economy Threatened by Natural Disasters, Says World Bank

The World Bank has warned that Pakistan’s economy faces significant risks due to frequent natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and droughts, which are putting severe pressure on the country’s financial stability and development prospects.

According to the latest report, climate-induced disasters have cost Pakistan billions of dollars in damages over the past decade, weakening its infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. The World Bank stressed the urgent need for climate resilience policies, disaster preparedness, and sustainable economic planning to safeguard the country’s future.

• Floods of 2022 caused economic losses exceeding $30 billion, displacing millions and destroying thousands of homes.

• Earthquakes and landslides in northern regions have repeatedly damaged infrastructure and disrupted supply chains.

• Droughts in Sindh and Balochistan continue to pose a threat to food security and agricultural productivity.

The World Bank highlighted that unless Pakistan adopts strong climate-adaptation strategies, its GDP growth could decline further, deepening the economic crisis.

The report recommends that the Government of Pakistan take the following steps:

• Develop climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand floods and earthquakes.

• Introduce comprehensive disaster management policies across federal and provincial levels.

• Promote green energy and sustainable resource management to reduce environmental risks.

• Seek global climate financing and international partnerships to fund adaptation projects.

The World Bank emphasized that Pakistan must prioritize climate-resilient investments to protect its financial stability. Failure to act could lead to:

• A sharp increase in poverty levels due to recurring disasters.

• Severe impacts on exports and industrial productivity.

• Widening gaps in public health and food security.

The institution also urged policymakers to integrate climate risk assessments into all development and economic planning strategies.

In response, the Ministry of Climate Change has stated that Pakistan is working on a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to reduce the risks posed by climate change. Officials said that new policies would focus on sustainable water management, reforestation, and early warning systems to better handle future disasters.

The World Bank’s warning highlights a pressing reality: Pakistan’s economic growth is directly threatened by natural disasters and climate change. Without immediate action and policy reforms, the country risks facing deeper financial instability and worsening humanitarian crises. To secure a sustainable future, climate resilience must become a top national priority.

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