ISLAMABAD: A new World Bank report has delivered a sobering assessment of Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, ranking the country fifth globally among nations most affected by extreme weather events. The report, titled “Evidence-based targeting of infrastructure investments,” argues that Pakistan’s infrastructure is not prepared for the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters like floods, landslides, and water scarcity.
The Road to Resilience: A Major Challenge
The report highlights a critical and ongoing problem: Pakistan’s heavy reliance on road transport, which accounts for approximately 95 percent of all passenger and freight movement. This dependence, coupled with poor maintenance and a lack of funding, has led to a rapid deterioration of the country’s road networks, particularly at the provincial level. The report reveals a shocking statistic on average, provinces only allocate a fraction (20 to 30 percent) of the required budget for road upkeep, leaving them highly susceptible to damage.
According to the World Bank, a major weakness in the system is that road maintenance budgets are often determined by “subjective visual inspections” rather than data-driven assessments, a method that is easily influenced by political considerations. This has created a cycle of underinvestment and decay, leaving rural communities which make up 62 percent of the population disproportionately affected. The challenging terrain and poor road conditions in these areas limit access to essential services like schools, health facilities, and markets, trapping millions in a cycle of poverty.
The report uses the devastating 2022 floods as a stark case study. The disaster, which submerged a third of the country, affected 33 million people and destroyed 2.2 million homes and 13,000 kilometers of roads, making it clear that a new approach is desperately needed.
A Call for Strategic Investment
To address these vulnerabilities, the World Bank recommends a strategic shift towards evidence-based infrastructure investment. The report calls for expanding and maintaining the rural road network in the most deprived areas. By prioritizing these targeted investments, Pakistan can not only build a more resilient infrastructure but also reduce poverty, enhance human capital, and stimulate economic growth by connecting marginalized communities to vital opportunities. The message is clear: the country’s economic future is tied directly to its ability to adapt and build back better in the face of climate change.
