By Abdul Ghani

A number of water management, irrigation and flood recovery projects in Pakistan received foreign financing during the first seven months of the current fiscal year, reflecting continued support from international development partners for water resource development and climate-related infrastructure.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ monthly report on foreign economic assistance, several projects aimed at strengthening water infrastructure and improving flood resilience received disbursements during July–January FY2025-26.

Among the projects receiving financing during the reporting period was the Jalalpur Irrigation Project in Punjab. The report indicates that $16.68 million was disbursed for the project during the seven-month period. The project is being implemented to expand irrigation infrastructure and improve water availability for agriculture in the region.

Water resource development initiatives in Balochistan also attracted external financing. The Balochistan Water Resources Development Project received $8.29 million during July–January FY2025-26. The project focuses on improving water resource management and strengthening irrigation infrastructure in the province.

Another initiative receiving foreign funding during the reporting period is the Naulong Integrated Water Resources Development Project. According to the report, the project received $0.21 million during the July–January period. The project is being implemented to support water resource development and irrigation infrastructure.

Water management programs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also received financing during the reporting period. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Water Resources Development Project received $0.26 million during the seven-month period.

Flood recovery and rehabilitation projects also attracted significant financing from international development partners. The Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project received $75.02 million during July–January FY2025-26. The project aims to support the reconstruction of houses damaged by floods in the province.

Another flood recovery initiative receiving foreign financing is the Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project, which received $2.63 million during the reporting period.

In addition to these initiatives, financing was also provided for the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project. According to the report, the project received $12.87 million during July–January FY2025-26. The project focuses on improving irrigation infrastructure and strengthening flood management systems in Sindh.

Water supply and sanitation initiatives are also part of the broader development portfolio supported by international partners. For example, the Punjab Rural Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Project received $20.00 million during the reporting period.

The report further shows that financing for the Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation Project continued. Disbursements for this initiative reached $18.79 million during the July–January period.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ report, project-related foreign assistance totaled $1,901.48 million during the seven-month period. These funds were allocated across a wide range of development projects, including water resource management, irrigation infrastructure, flood recovery and climate resilience initiatives.

The data reflects continued cooperation between Pakistan and its international development partners in financing projects aimed at improving water security, strengthening irrigation systems and supporting reconstruction efforts in flood-affected areas across the country.

Credit: INP-WealthPk