World Bank Warns: Pakistan’s Economy Faces Severe Threats from Natural Disasters

Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and water scarcity, posing serious risks to its infrastructure and the well-being of millions, according to a new World Bank report.

The report, “Evidence-based Targeting of Infrastructure Investments: A Model for Accessibility to Services in Pakistan’s Rural Communities,” places Pakistan as the fifth most affected country by climate change–driven extreme weather events.

The World Bank stressed that outdated infrastructure practices and insufficient funding are deepening the crisis. Road maintenance is often based on visual inspections—a system criticized as “subjective and politically influenced.” Inadequate revenue collection from tolls and rights-of-way has left road agencies dependent on shrinking public development budgets.

The 2022 floods serve as a grim reminder of Pakistan’s exposure. Submerging one-third of the country, they displaced 8 million people, destroyed 2.2 million houses, and damaged 13,000 kilometers of roads. The economic losses revealed the urgent need for smarter, multi-sectoral infrastructure planning.

With 95% of passenger and freight movement dependent on roads, Pakistan’s overburdened transport sector continues to deteriorate. Provinces allocate just 20–30% of the required road maintenance budget, leaving networks fragile and rural communities disconnected from schools, healthcare, and markets.

The report urged evidence-based investments to strengthen rural road networks, improve access to essential services, and reduce poverty. It also called for climate-resilient engineering standards to safeguard against future disasters.

According to the World Bank, only through strategic, data-driven infrastructure development can Pakistan ensure a more equitable and resilient future for its people.