Pakistan is facing an escalating humanitarian crisis, driven by the dual threats of climate change and economic instability. However, the country lacks a robust humanitarian advocacy framework, resulting in ineffective response efforts and worsening conditions for vulnerable communities. As climate-related disasters become more frequent and socio- economic pressures intensify, the absence of a coordinated advocacy strategy is putting lives at risk and hindering sustainable development.

Pakistan has long been susceptible to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and droughts, with global warming further intensifying their severity. The catastrophic 2022 floods serve as a stark reminder of this vulnerability. Spanning from June to October, these floods affected 33 million people, caused over 1,700 fatalities, displaced 2.1 million individuals and damaged or destroyed approximately 2.3 million homes. At the same time, prolonged droughts in Balochistan and Sindh continue to drive communities deeper into poverty, exacerbating food insecurity and water scarcity. These recurring climate shocks underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive humanitarian response that integrates disaster resilience and climate adaptation strategies.

HUNGER CRISIS: Pakistan also faces a severe hunger crisis, ranked 99th out of 121 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI), the nation struggles with widespread undernourishment, child stunting and child wasting. Over 40% of children under five experience stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition a figure that has remained alarmingly unchanged for three decades. Despite various interventions, food insecurity persists, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance maternal and child nutrition, food security and optimal infant and young child feeding practices.

HUMANITARIAN ADVOCACY DEFICIT: Despite the severity of these crises, humanitarian advocacy in Pakistan remains weak, hindered by multiple systemic challenges. Government policies often fail to prioritize disaster preparedness and relief, leaving institutions like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) underfunded and under-equipped. Civil society organizations, including NGOs and INGOs, face increasing restrictions, limiting their ability to mobilize resources, influence policy and raise public awareness.

Media coverage of humanitarian issues is also limited, with political and economic news often overshadowing the struggles of vulnerable populations. Furthermore, weak coordination between humanitarian organizations, government agencies and international donors leads to fragmented response efforts, reducing overall effectiveness.

One of the most critical gaps lies within humanitarian organizations themselves. Many lack the capacity required for effective advocacy, with insufficient expertise in policy influence, strategic campaigning and stakeholder engagement. Without skilled professionals leading advocacy efforts, it becomes difficult to push for policy reforms, secure international aid and mobilize communities for action.

STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY FOR A RESILIENT FUTURE: Humanitarian advocacy plays a crucial role in shaping policies, securing funding and ensuring that the needs of vulnerable populations are met. A strong advocacy network can drive legislative reforms, enhance disaster resilience and foster community participation. It can also amplify media engagement, keeping humanitarian crises in the public spotlight and pressuring decision-makers to act. To address these challenges, Pakistan must take urgent steps to strengthen its humanitarian advocacy mechanisms: The time to act is now.

RECOMMENDATIONS: STRENGTHENING HUMANITARIAN ADVOCACY IN PAKISTAN

1. Legislative Reforms for Humanitarian Support:
   • Strengthening the Legal Framework for Humanitarian Aid
     • Advocate for legislative reforms that facilitate humanitarian assistance, ensuring that bureaucratic hurdles do not delay life-saving aid.
     • Develop and enforce laws that provide a legal mandate for swift humanitarian interventions in disaster- prone regions.
     • Streamline the registration and operational processes for NGOs and INGOs to prevent delays in emergency response efforts.
     • Introduce a dedicated “Humanitarian Advocacy and Response Act” to structure disaster relief, crisis response and post-disaster rehabilitation.
   • Enhancing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
     • Increase financial and human resources for National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to enable rapid and effective disaster response.
     • Strengthen coordination between NDMA and provincial disaster management authorities (PDMAs) for efficient disaster preparedness and response.
     • Develop a national humanitarian advocacy task force within NDMA to engage with civil society organizations, media and policymakers.
   • Policy Integration for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
     • Align humanitarian policies with Pakistan’s national climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction
     • Ensure government policies prioritize disaster resilience by integrating climate-sensitive infrastructure
     • Enhance social protection mechanisms for vulnerable populations affected by disasters, including emergency cash transfers and food security initiatives.

2. Strengthening Civil Society Networks
   • Enhancing Collaboration between NGOs, INGOs and Government Bodies
     • Establish formal platforms for dialogue and collaboration between humanitarian organizations and government agencies to align advocacy efforts.
     • Promote joint initiatives between local NGOs, INGOs and grassroots organizations to maximize
     • Strengthen partnerships with academia and research institutions to generate evidence-based advocacy
   • Protecting Civil Society Space

• Advocate for policies that protect the operational space of humanitarian organizations and ensure their
• Challenge restrictive laws that hinder INGOs from accessing funding, coordinating relief efforts, or conducting advocacy.
• Strengthen legal frameworks to protect human rights defenders and humanitarian activists from persecution or harassment.

• Strengthening Community Engagement in Advocacy
  • Train local community leaders and grassroots organizations in advocacy strategies to amplify their
  • Foster community-led disaster preparedness and response plans to ensure local ownership of humanitarian
  • Establish feedback mechanisms where affected communities can voice concerns and contribute to policy

A CALL TO ACTION:

Pakistan stands at a critical juncture where the absence of strong humanitarian advocacy could lead to further suffering for millions. Government agencies, civil society and international partners must collaborate to close the advocacy gap and ensure that humanitarian issues receive the attention they deserve.

By prioritizing advocacy and strengthening professional capacity, Pakistan can build a more resilient future, one where vulnerable communities receive the support they urgently need and humanitarian response efforts are timely, effective and sustainable.

Pakistan stands at a critical juncture where humanitarian needs are escalating due to climate change, economic instability and ongoing conflicts. Without a strong advocacy framework, millions of vulnerable people will continue to suffer. Strengthening legislative frameworks, empowering civil society, leveraging media, integrating climate advocacy and building institutional capacity are key to ensuring a sustainable humanitarian response.

The time to act is now. The government, civil society, international partners and the private sector must collaborate to close the humanitarian advocacy gap, ensuring that disaster-affected communities receive the attention and support they need. By taking decisive action today, Pakistan can secure a more resilient and equitable future for its people.