Key Points
- Monsoon ends, leaving behind billions in damages and years of rebuilding
- Pakistan expresses gratitude to partners for timely flood relief support
- Malaysia most recently contributed US$100,000; earlier
- Experts urge climate-resilient reconstruction to avert future disasters
ISLAMABAD: With the 2025 monsoon season officially over, Pakistan has moved from emergency flood response to rehabilitation, while lauding the international community for its timely support during the crisis.
Officials said that although foreign partners helped avert a humanitarian catastrophe, the greater challenge now lies in reconstruction.
The Foreign Office, in a statement issued on Friday, expressed “deep gratitude” to friendly countries and humanitarian organisations, stressing that recurring climate-induced disasters highlighted the urgency of global cooperation. While rescue and relief aid saved lives, rehabilitation demands long-term international commitment, Islamabad emphasised.
In recent weeks, Malaysia became the latest country to step forward, with state news agency Bernama reporting a contribution of US$100,000 in humanitarian relief to Pakistan’s flood victims.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) dispatched convoys to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with supplies of 10,000 shelter kits and 10,000 food baskets. In addition, Saudi-owned Wafi Energy also donated 5,000 litres of fuel to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to sustain relief logistics.
The United States sent six humanitarian flights via the US Army Central Command carrying tents, dewatering pumps and generators, in addition to USAID’s announcement of US$30 million.
The United Kingdom, too, pledged substantial assistance. As reported by The Express Tribune, British authorities have allocated nearly ₨ 454 million in anticipatory funding for the Sindh floods. Subsequently, the UK government confirmed a broader package of £1.33 million for Punjab, KP and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The European Union, in a statement, announced ₨350 million (€1.05 million) for health, sanitation and cash relief through its partner organisations.
Among multilateral and non-governmental organisations, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched a CHF 17 million appeal to support Pakistan Red Crescent operations, building on an initial CHF 1 million from its disaster fund. Islamic Relief Worldwide, in a press release, confirmed its emergency operations were reaching up to 100,000 people with food and safe water. However, the British Red Cross noted its cash distribution, mosquito net provision and shelter support efforts in coordination with the NDMA.
Scale of losses
The National Disaster Management Authority estimates that over 12,500 houses were destroyed and 6,500 livestock perished during the floods. Al Jazeera reported that thousands of villages across Punjab, Sindh, KP and Gilgit-Baltistan remain under thick mud and silt. Agricultural damage alone stands at ₨302 billion, or roughly three-quarters of total assessed losses, according to Business Recorder.
Infrastructure losses remain severe. Politico Pro highlighted the long timelines for rebuilding roads, bridges, schools and clinics, even as power and road networks have been partially restored. Analysts quoted by Reuters warned that the fiscal burden from rehabilitation could disrupt Pakistan’s budgetary balance unless concessional financing is secured.
The road ahead
Officials and aid agencies caution that moving from relief to recovery will be painstaking. UN OCHA urged immediate investment in debris clearance and cash-for-work programmes as a foundation for longer-term rebuilding. Experts quoted by Al Jazeera emphasised that reconstruction must be climate-resilient to withstand future extreme weather, deforestation, glacial melt and erratic monsoon patterns, intensifying Pakistan’s vulnerability.
While the government continues to acknowledge and appreciate the solidarity shown by international partners, authorities stress that sustained aid — in the form of grants, concessional loans, and technical support — will determine how quickly Pakistan can overcome what may become one of its most expensive climate disasters to date.
