by Three years after the devastating 2022 floods in Pakistan, which displaced millions and caused unprecedented destruction, the country still awaits much of the financial support pledged by the international community. In January 2023, at a high-profile donors’ conference in Geneva, Pakistan secured commitments worth over $10 billion from various countries and international organizations for reconstruction and rehabilitation. Yet, by mid-2025, reports reveal that less than half of these pledges have actually been disbursed.
This shortfall has left Pakistan struggling to rebuild communities, restore livelihoods, and strengthen infrastructure against future climate-related disasters. The gap between pledges and actual aid underscores the challenges of global climate finance and raises serious questions about accountability, both internationally and domestically.
The 2022 Floods: A National Catastrophe
The 2022 floods were among the worst climate disasters in Pakistan’s history, submerging nearly one-third of the country at their peak. More than 33 million people were affected, with over 1,700 lives lost and millions displaced from their homes. Agricultural lands were ruined, critical infrastructure was washed away, and the economic damage was estimated at over $30 billion.
The sheer scale of destruction highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, despite the country contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions. The tragedy became a rallying point for climate justice advocates, with world leaders acknowledging the responsibility of wealthier nations to support Pakistan in its recovery.
The Geneva Donors’ Conference
In January 2023, Pakistan, in collaboration with the United Nations, hosted the International Conference on Climate-Resilient Pakistan in Geneva. The event drew global attention, with over 40 countries and financial institutions pledging support for Pakistan’s reconstruction.
Among the commitments were significant promises from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union, United States, Saudi Arabia, and other international donors. The total pledges exceeded $10 billion, most of which were meant to be delivered as project-based financing, loans, or grants to rebuild flood-affected regions.
At the time, the pledges were hailed as a diplomatic success for Pakistan and a sign of global solidarity in the face of climate disasters.
Three Years Later: A Disappointing Reality
Fast forward to 2025, and the situation tells a different story. Reports indicate that less than 50% of the pledged amount has been disbursed, while several projects remain stuck in bureaucratic red tape or awaiting approval. Many donor countries have cited administrative hurdles, Pakistan’s political instability, and economic challenges as reasons for the delay.
Some pledges were never intended as direct cash grants but rather loans or investments tied to specific projects, further slowing down the flow of funds. Meanwhile, local communities continue to wait for promised rehabilitation, as temporary shelters, damaged schools, and inadequate healthcare facilities remain a harsh reality in many flood-hit areas.
The Human Cost of Delays
The failure to deliver timely aid has had severe consequences for millions of Pakistanis.
- Housing Crisis: Thousands of families are still living in makeshift shelters or partially rebuilt homes, exposed to harsh weather conditions.
- Livelihoods at Risk: Farmers who lost crops and livestock have struggled to restart agricultural activities due to lack of financial and technical support.
- Education Setbacks: Many schools damaged during the floods remain unrepaired, depriving children of quality education.
- Health Concerns: Flood-affected areas continue to face challenges such as malnutrition, lack of clean water, and poor access to healthcare services.
The prolonged wait for donor funds has not only delayed recovery but also deepened social inequalities, leaving vulnerable communities even more marginalized.
Climate Finance and Global Responsibility
Pakistan’s experience reflects a broader global issue: the gap between climate finance pledges and actual delivery. Wealthier nations have often made ambitious promises in climate summits but have struggled to fulfill them due to domestic politics, competing priorities, or bureaucratic hurdles.
The 2022 floods were a stark reminder of how frontline countries like Pakistan bear the brunt of climate change impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions. The slow pace of aid disbursement undermines the spirit of climate justice and raises questions about the effectiveness of international commitments.
Pakistan’s Own Challenges
While donor delays are significant, Pakistan’s domestic governance issues have also played a role. Concerns about transparency, corruption, and weak institutional capacity have made some donors hesitant to release funds. International partners often demand strict accountability mechanisms to ensure that aid reaches intended beneficiaries — something Pakistan has struggled to guarantee consistently.
Political instability, frequent changes in leadership, and an ongoing economic crisis have further complicated coordination between the government and donors. These factors collectively hinder the efficient use of whatever funds have been received.
The Way Forward
For Pakistan to recover effectively and build resilience against future climate shocks, several steps are critical:
- Accelerating Donor Disbursements: International partners must honor their pledges and release funds promptly to prevent further suffering in flood-affected communities.
- Improving Governance: Pakistan must strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms to rebuild donor confidence and ensure efficient use of funds.
- Investing in Climate Resilience: Reconstruction should not just focus on rebuilding what was lost but also on climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy.
- Engaging Communities: Local communities must be included in planning and implementation to ensure that reconstruction meets real needs.
- Diversifying Finance Sources: Beyond aid, Pakistan should explore partnerships with private investors, NGOs, and international climate funds to secure additional financing.
Conclusion
Three years after the catastrophic 2022 floods, Pakistan’s recovery remains incomplete due to a significant shortfall in donor disbursements. While the Geneva conference showcased global solidarity, the reality of less than half of the pledged aid materializing highlights a troubling gap between promises and action.
