Our work in Pakistan

Overview

Pakistan is a South Asian country with the fifth largest population in the world. The nation is ethnically, linguistically and culturally diverse. 

Large segments of the population have limited access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and quality, affordable education and healthcare. For many, the  situation has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic.  

About a third of the population relies on farming crops for their primary source of income. However, outdated tools and practices and weak enforcement of laws have resulted in limited harvests and made it difficult for people to lift themselves out of poverty.     

Unemployment is high and sustainable job opportunities are few and far between. As a result, many individuals find themselves working in the nation’s vast informal economy, where workers face numerous challenges including lack of rights, safety issues, low and irregular wages, exploitation and discrimination.    

Pakistan is a disaster-prone, water-scarce nation that is severely affected by climate change. The country is regularly affected by heatwaves, droughts, landslides, avalanches, storms and cyclones.

Pakistan floods appeal 

The people of Pakistan are currently experiencing the worst monsoon floods in over a decade. 

More than a thousand people have been killed and around a million homes destroyed. Crops, livestock and businesses have been washed away.

There is an urgent need for food, shelter and safe drinking water. Tearfund’s local partners are responding now – your donation will help the most vulnerable by providing for their immediate needs.

Our work in Pakistan

Tearfund has been working in Pakistan since 2005. Originally, this was in response to natural disasters, and now we continue to empower communities through long-term development programmes.

Community development

We have set up community development programmes to help people increase their income and access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities. A lot of our work also focuses on helping communities prepare for, and respond to, future disasters.

Waste management

Currently, Tearfund is implementing a three-year project on solid waste management. The project focuses on community-based, sustainable, solid waste management solutions. This is closely linked to Tearfund’s global campaign against pollution and addresses climate change, urban development and resource management.

Coronavirus pandemic

Since 2020, Tearfund has been responding to the coronavirus pandemic. We have been supporting affected communities by distributing food packages and hygiene kits, providing cash grants with entrepreneurship training for small business owners, and providing medical equipment for those with special needs. We also equipped schools and community-based organisations with disinfectant spray machines and hand-washing stations.

Partnerships and funding

Pakistan Humanitarian Forum

Tearfund is an active member of the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF), a network of 38 international NGOs operating in Pakistan. In 2021, Tearfund served as a member of the PHF’s Executive Committee and worked in collaboration with other organisations to highlight the contribution of international humanitarian and development agencies in improving the livelihoods and wellbeing of millions of people across Pakistan, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Start Network

Tearfund is currently serving as a member of the National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Pakistan Hub of the Start Network. The Pakistan Hub aims to create a proactive, resilient, locally-led and innovative humanitarian network. We do this by addressing emerging challenges and supporting vulnerable communities to prepare for future crises. 

Disasters and Emergency Committee

Tearfund worked with the Disasters and Emergencies Committee (DEC) to provide water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) support, as well as shelter to 56,000 people affected by extreme floods from 2010 to 2013. The Scottish Government provided additional funding, enabling us to extend the programme and support 59,000 people to rebuild their livelihoods from 2013 to 2017. 

Shifting the Power

From 2015 to 2018, Tearfund led the Pakistan component of a multi-country project, funded by the UK Government, called Shifting the Power. This focused on advocating for, and strengthening the capacity of, local humanitarian organisations in Pakistan. 

UK Government Aid Match Funding

Tearfund is currently implementing a three-year solid waste management intervention in Karachi, Sindh, funded by the UK Government’s Aid Match programme. We aim to reach 24,000 households by 2023.