A UNDP-led project funded by the Government of China has completed work to help nearly 137,500 people in Jaffarabad and Kacchi districts of Balochistan recover from the devastating 2022 floods, providing livelihood support, training and tools aimed at building longer-term resilience.
A closing ceremony in Islamabad marked the formal end of the “Support to Flood-Affected Areas in Balochistan of Pakistan” project, implemented under the UNDP Flood Recovery Programme in partnership with the Government of Balochistan. The initiative was financed through China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund.
The project provided direct support to restore livelihoods, distributing agricultural toolkits, seeds, fertilizers, and gardening and embroidery kits. These inputs were intended to help households restart farming and small-scale businesses disrupted by the floods.
Capacity building was a major component: over 3,000 participants received training in business management, modern agricultural techniques and disaster preparedness through 100 capacity-building sessions and 105 mentoring sessions. Nearly half of the beneficiaries were women, who gained new income opportunities and improved social and economic inclusion.
Speakers at the closing event highlighted the project’s practical impact and broader development goals. Yang Guangyuan, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of China in Pakistan, said the project shows how targeted interventions can revive livelihoods, restore dignity and strengthen resilience in affected communities. A representative of Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division praised the longstanding Pakistan-China partnership and noted the project’s alignment with national development priorities.
Dr. Samuel Rizk, UNDP Resident Representative in Pakistan, emphasized that recovery efforts are aimed not only at restoring losses but at building stronger, more resilient futures for families and communities. The provincial Planning and Development Secretary, Asif Ali Farukh, thanked China and UNDP for timely support, noting the initiative’s role in reviving agriculture, small businesses and women’s economic participation in Jaffarabad and Kacchi.
Project partners said the skills, tools and confidence provided to communities will help sustain local economies and contribute to a more climate-resilient and inclusive future for Balochistan beyond the project’s completion.
