ISLAMABAD, May 8 (ABC): Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, in partnership with Bank Alfalah, has launched a Rs66 million rehabilitation programme to restore critical infrastructure and improve climate resilience in flood-affected communities across Gilgit-Baltistan.

The initiative will be implemented with support from the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Focus Humanitarian Assistance, and the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme.

The launch ceremony was attended by His Excellency Salem Mohammed Alzaabi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, along with senior officials from Bank Alfalah and Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan. Representatives from development organisations, including the Asian Development Bank, Global Affairs Canada, the European Union, and Concern Worldwide, also attended the event.

The programme follows the devastating monsoon floods of August 2025, which triggered flash floods, cloudbursts, debris flows, and glacial lake outburst floods across Gilgit-Baltistan. The disaster severely damaged drinking water supply systems, irrigation channels, bridges, and homes, leaving many communities without access to essential services.

Under the initiative, multiple drinking water schemes will be rehabilitated to restore safe water access for thousands of households. The programme also includes the reconstruction of irrigation channels to revive agricultural livelihoods and the construction of flood protection structures to reduce future disaster risks.

In addition, emergency winterised tents will be replenished to strengthen disaster preparedness in high-risk valleys.

The total project cost stands at Rs57.05 million, including a Rs50 million grant from Bank Alfalah and Rs7.05 million from Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan. Another Rs9.3 million partnership will support the installation of a 25KV solar system at a school in Chitral to facilitate students and teachers.

The programme will directly benefit more than 10,600 people and indirectly support nearly 13,000 individuals in Gilgit, Ghizer, and Hunza districts.

Project implementation will focus on community engagement and coordination with local authorities to ensure support reaches the most vulnerable populations. The initiative also includes community ownership and maintenance mechanisms to ensure the long-term sustainability of rehabilitated infrastructure.

The event also highlighted the role of the United Arab Emirates in supporting global sustainability and climate resilience initiatives through development and humanitarian assistance programmes.

Speaking at the event, Atif Bajwa, President and CEO of Bank Alfalah Limited, said the partnership reflected the bank’s commitment to responsible banking and community development.

“We are proud to partner with Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan in launching this important rehabilitation initiative. The programme reflects our commitment to supporting flood-affected communities and strengthening long-term resilience,” he said.

Akhtar Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, said the initiative aimed to rebuild damaged infrastructure while helping communities prepare for future climate-related disasters.

“By restoring essential water systems, irrigation networks, and disaster preparedness infrastructure, we are enabling families in Gilgit-Baltistan to recover with dignity and security,” he added.