Karachi (Staff Reporter):
The Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, in collaboration with Bank Alfalah, has launched a rehabilitation program worth Rs. 66 million aimed at improving critical infrastructure and strengthening communities in flood-affected areas of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The program was initiated following the devastation caused by the monsoon floods in August 2025, which triggered flash floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and glacial lake outburst floods across the region. Under the project, multiple initiatives will be undertaken, including the restoration of clean drinking water supply systems for thousands of households, reconstruction of irrigation networks, revival of agricultural activities, and construction of flood protection infrastructure to reduce the risks of future natural disasters.
In addition, disaster preparedness will be enhanced through the provision of winterized emergency tents. Bank Alfalah is contributing Rs. 50 million to the initiative, while the Aga Khan Foundation is contributing Rs. 7.05 million.
The project will focus on improving access to clean water, restoring irrigation systems, implementing flood protection measures, and strengthening emergency shelter reserves. The initiative will directly benefit more than 10,600 people in the districts of Gilgit, Ghizer, and Hunza, while approximately 13,000 additional people are expected to benefit indirectly.
The project also includes a contribution of Rs. 9.3 million for the installation of a 25-kilowatt solar power system at a school in Chitral, benefiting both students and teachers.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank Alfalah Limited, Atif Bajwa, emphasized the bank’s commitment to community development in Pakistan, stating:
“We are proud to launch this important rehabilitation initiative with the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, which reflects our commitment to responsible banking and meaningful investment in communities.”