Government Announces Rs. 700 Billion Flood Protection Plan

The federal government is set to present the National Flood Protection Plan to the Council of Common Interests (CCI) for approval. The proposed initiative is estimated to cost approximately Rs. 700 billion and aims to strengthen Pakistan’s long-term flood management capabilities.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced the proposal while unveiling the Ministry’s Monthly Development Update for July 2026. He said the project is designed to improve the country’s resilience against floods through major infrastructure investments, with the financial burden to be shared equally between the federal and provincial governments.

The National Flood Protection Plan was originally approved by the CCI in 2017 to reduce flood-related losses, enhance disaster preparedness, and safeguard communities vulnerable to climate-related hazards. However, its implementation was delayed due to financial constraints. Following the devastating floods in recent years, the government has revived the initiative as a national priority.

The plan includes the construction of stronger embankments, the modernization of early warning systems, and improved protection for residential areas, agricultural land, and transport infrastructure. Officials believe that equal cost-sharing between the centre and provinces will accelerate the implementation of key projects.

Once the Council of Common Interests grants final approval, the initiative is expected to provide long-term protection for millions of people living in flood-prone regions and significantly strengthen Pakistan’s disaster resilience.