Pakistan

HI has a proven track record of delivering effective development projects in Pakistan, starting from the 1980s to late 1990s to address the needs of Afghans refugees. Then HI accompanied the populations following multiple natural disasters (earthquakes, floods) and has runs projects to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the most vulnerable groups of people. HI program is supporting refugees and displaced populations. It also supports the inclusion of women with disabilities in society.

Safe play areas for displaced, non-disabled and disabled children. They allow them to express themselves on the trauma they have experienced. | © L. Chancenotte / HI

Actions in process

Continuing on HI skills and experience, knowing gaps and needs in Pakistan and based on evaluation of more than 30 years delivering development projects in Pakistan, HI has developed a 5 year Country Program Framework in 2016. The operational framework integrates and incorporates inclusive approaches focusing on the following five pillars:

Inclusive education (educational system is more inclusive for boys and girls and young women with disabilities)
Health and prevention (prevention and mitigation measures to effectively reduce risks and/or impact of impairments)
Relief and Inclusive Disaster Risk Management
Technical assistance to Pakistan Government and International Organizations, I/NGOs, Civil Society Organizations, etc., to ensure disability mainstreaming
Gender and women empowerment

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, HI has continued to help the world’s most vulnerable people. We have adapted our interventions in more than 45 countries.

Help them
concretely

Donate now

Situation of the country

Map of HI's interventions in Afghanistan Pakistan

Pakistan is increasingly and regularly hit by natural disasters. In 2010, unprecedented flooding affected more than 20 million people. Similar disasters occur every year, although on a smaller scale.

Despite recent economic growth, Pakistan remains one the lowest performing countries in South Asia in terms of the human development indicators. The persistence of conflict in the border areas represents a security challenge that detrimentally affects local populations. International relations are also a persistent issue, specifically with regards to bordering nations India and Afghanistan – with whom Pakistan has unresolved border disputes and occasional military incidents.

Despite the fact that Pakistan has signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, there is very little data that utilizes either the census or surveys to determine the scope of disability in Pakistan, and there is very limited Government response towards supporting persons with disabilities.

Number of HI staff members: 31

Date the programme opened: early 1980s

Download the country file (pdf, 1000.32 KB)