Married at the age of 17, Lakshmi assumed the weight of household responsibilities early in life. With her husband, Laalu, working as a labourer in the city to support the family, Lakshmi remained the steady anchor at home. Together, they raised four young children, three sons and a daughter, all between the ages of five and ten. Despite limited resources and daily challenges, Lakshmi nurtured a modest but fulfilling life, grounded in resilience and the warmth of her family.
Five years ago, Lakshmi’s world was turned upside down when her husband, Laalu, tragically passed away after a snake bite. Fate did not give her a chance to fully grieve the loss of her partner. Overnight, she became the sole caregiver and breadwinner for their young children, forced to navigate an uncertain and demanding future entirely on her own.
Now 32, Lakshmi continues to shoulder the full responsibility of raising her family. To survive, she and her children work together as labourers in fields of Village Lakho Kolhi, striving each day to meet their most basic needs.
In 2021, driven by quiet determination, Lakshmi took a bold step to improve her family’s future by breeding two goats, establishing a modest but stable source of income. It was a turning point that promised a path toward self-reliance. However, less than a year later, the catastrophic floods of 2022 swept across Pakistan, displacing thousands and claiming countless lives and livestock.
Lachmi’s village, Lakho Kolhi in Umerkot, was among the hardest hit. The deluge reduced homes to rubble and left the community submerged in devastation, erasing what little security they had built. Lakshmi and her family lost their most treasured possession, their home, and faced a heartbreaking reality. The destruction was so extensive that rebuilding was impossible. With no other option, they were forced to flee and start over, carrying with them only resilience and the will to endure.
With nowhere to go, Lachmi and her children found themselves in her brother-in-law’s house, who himself had relocated to village Anwar Pathan with his family in search of safer grounds. In a time when everyone around them was grappling with uncertainty and hardship, his support was both rare and deeply meaningful. Within that borrowed shelter, Lakshmi tried to rebuild a sense of home for her children, even as daily survival weighed heavily on her mind. The question of how to feed her family was a constant worry, one that echoed the broader struggle shared by countless families, especially single mothers, facing the aftermath of displacement.
Living in someone else’s home brought a host of challenges for Lachmi, from compromised dignity to concerns over safety and protection. She endured mistreatment and a lack of respect from the household members, all while carrying the weight of worry for her children’s well-being.
In the aftermath of the devastating floods, Community World Service Asia (CWSA), in partnership with Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D) and the Canadian Food grains Bank (CFGB), launched a Cash for Food initiative aimed at restoring dignity and choice to families like Lakshmi’s. The program provided unconditional cash assistance of PKR 20,000 per month for three months, March, May, and June 2025, empowering flood-affected households to address their food security based on their specific needs.
With the first installment, Lachmi prioritised her family’s stability. She spent PKR 10,000 (USD 35) to buy wheat flour, to ensure a reliable supply of food in the weeks ahead. Another PKR 6,000 (USD 21) went toward repaying a debt she had incurred just to feed her children, a financial weight she had long carried. The remaining PKR 4,000 ( USD 14), was carefully allocated to purchasing sugar, rice, and vegetables, allowing her to provide balanced nutrition with renewed peace of mind. In a move that reflected both vision and resilience, Lakshmi used the second installment to purchase two young goats, an investment in future sustainability. As the goats grow, she plans to sell their milk locally, establishing a modest yet dependable source of income for her household..
With the third and final cash installment, Lakshmi embraced a moment of joy amidst hardship. She lovingly chose new clothes for her children, spending nearly PKR 5,000 ( USD 18) on new clothes for them to bring smiles and a sense of normalcy to their lives. The remaining PKR 15,000 (USD 53) was set aside to secure their food supply, a deliberate decision rooted in maternal foresight. “Even if we have nothing else,” Lakshmi shared, “we should have wheat in the cabinets, so we never go to bed hungry.”
Lachmi has courageously shared her journey with others, inspiring many through her resilience and determination. “Now we’re finding new ways to support our families,” she said. “Many women in our village have stepped up to help, especially after losing their livelihoods.”
Part of the funds also went toward purchasing medicine for her seven-year-old Gulji, who lives with epilepsy. Reflecting on how she used the assistance, Lachmi said, “The aid is temporary, and the money is meant to end someday. To truly benefit from it, I had to invest it with purpose.”
As climate extremes intensify across Pakistan, vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt of rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and environmental degradation. This short video captures firsthand reflections from local residents and civil society on how climate change is reshaping their lives, livelihoods, and landscapes. Produced by Community World Service Asia & Leigh Larson, Week of Compassion, the film amplifies voices from the frontlines, calling for urgent, inclusive action to build resilience and protect those most at risk.
Pakistan is currently experiencing intensified monsoon rainfall, consistent with forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and alerts issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Since late June, above-normal precipitation has impacted Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), triggering widespread flooding, landslides, and displacement.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, temperatures have reached an unprecedented 48.5°C, accelerating glacial melt across the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram ranges. This has significantly heightened the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), particularly in historically stable regions like Shakyote, where agricultural lands and homes have been swept away.
Sindh, in southern Pakistan, is currently experiencing a moderate to high-risk period, with urban flooding impacting major cities and a continued threat of rural flooding. While rainfall in Sindh has not been as intense as in Punjab or KPK, the province remains highly vulnerable due to poor drainage and overstretched infrastructure. Additionally, heavy rains in northern and central Pakistan can increase flood risks in Sindh through rising river levels, hill torrents, snowmelt, and GLOF events, even if Sindh itself receives only light rainfall. Local authorities have issued advisories to all relevant stakeholders to ensure preparedness.
Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Multan, Bahawalpur
Balochistan
Lasbela, Jhal Magsi, Khuzdar, Sibi, Naseerabad
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Swat, Chitral, Dir, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Dera Ismail Khan
Gilgit-Baltistan & AJK
Hunza, Ghizer, Skardu, Muzaffarabad, Bagh
Urban Centers
Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta
Humanitarian Impact (as of July 16, 2025)
124 fatalities reported across five provinces
264 injuries, primarily due to collapsed structures
522 homes damaged, 126 livestock lost, and multiple roads and bridges destroyed
Thousands displaced, particularly in mountainous and flood-prone zones
Heightened vulnerability among women, children, and marginalised groups
Escalating Risks
Urban Flooding in major cities due to poor drainage
Flash Floods & Landslides in KPK, Punjab, GB, and Balochistan
Rural Inundation threatening food security in Sindh and southern Punjab
Waterborne Disease Outbreaks (cholera, malaria, dengue) due to stagnant water
Protection Concerns for displaced women, girls, and vulnerable communities
Recurring Disaster Zones still recovering from the 2022 super floods
Gendered & Inclusive Impact
Women, girls, and marginalised groups face disproportionate risks due to pre-existing inequalities. Displacement has disrupted access to maternal healthcare, education, and safe shelter. Overcrowded conditions and lack of gender-sensitive facilities increase exposure to gender-based violence and exploitation. Persons with disabilities, the elderly, and ethnic minorities face additional barriers to accessing relief.
Anticipated Needs
Emergency Shelter & Non-Food Items (NFIs)
WASH support (clean water, hygiene kits, sanitation)
Health services via mobile/static units
Food assistance (cash or in-kind)
Livelihood recovery for farmers and labourers
Protection services for vulnerable populations
CWSA Preparedness and Response
Community World Service Asia is actively coordinating with NDMA, PDMAs, and local partners to monitor the evolving crisis. Our response prioritises:
Gender-responsive programming across all sectors
Mobile health units for emergency care and psychosocial support
Protection-focused spaces for women and children
Emergency shelter and NFIs for displaced families
Cash-for-food assistance and in-kind distributions
Humanitarian Quality & Accountability mechanisms to ensure dignity and community engagement
Our multidisciplinary teams are ready to deploy in active field areas, with flexibility to expand operations as needed. CWSA will initiate its emergency operations in regions where we maintain an active presence and will scale up as needed, ensuring that our response is coordinated, adaptive, and rooted in local partnerships.
Rapid Response Fund Appeal
To enable swift, life-saving assistance, CWSA is establishing a Rapid Response Fund (RRF). We call on our partners to support this fund and strengthen our collective ability to respond efficiently and equitably, within 24 hours of the emergency. Together, we can act before the storm becomes catastrophe.
The 2025 monsoon and GLOF crisis underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient, people-centered humanitarian strategies. Without inclusive and sustained efforts, future disasters will continue to deepen inequalities and reverse development gains. CWSA remains committed to protecting lives, restoring dignity, and building resilience across Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities.
Pakistan is confronting the onset of yet another large-scale climate disaster, as intensified monsoon rains and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) pose an escalating threat to millions across the country. As of June 29, at least 31 people have lost their lives in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), with flash floods in Swat Valley alone accounting for 11 fatalities, including several children. Search operations are underway to locate missing individuals, underscoring the immediate human cost of the worsening weather conditions.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecast severe rainfall and flooding between June 29 and July 5, with alerts covering northeast Punjab, Kashmir, the Potohar plateau, Islamabad, and urban centers in southern Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Badin, and Thatta. Northern regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, and Chitral remain at particular risk of GLOFs, landslides, and community isolation due to damaged roads and power outages.
Escalating Climate Risks
Pakistan’s 2025 monsoon season is projected to be particularly aggressive, bringing heightened risks of riverine and urban flooding, flash floods, and GLOFs. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of above-normal rainfall and temperature patterns, an extension of this year’s erratic spring marked by dust storms, hail, and thunderstorms.
With over 13,000 glaciers, many rapidly melting due to global warming, Pakistan’s mountainous north is especially vulnerable to GLOFs. The collapse of unstable moraines (natural ice-and-debris dams) can release torrents of water, mud, and rock, with devastating consequences for downstream communities.
Due to rising temperatures, glaciers in Pakistan’s northern mountain ranges (the Hindu Kush, Himalayas and Karakorum) are melting rapidly and a total of 3,044 glacial lakes have developed in GilgitBaltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Of these, 33 glacial lakes have been assessed to be prone to hazardous glacial lake outburst flooding (GLOF). This can lead to flash floods, threatening lives, livestock, agriculture, and infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Over 7.1 million people in GB and KPK provinces are likely to be affected: in these areas, 26.7 percent and 22 percent of the population, respectively, are below the poverty line.
GLOF are sudden events which can release millions of cubic metres of water and debris, leading to the loss of lives, property & livelihoods among affected communities.
NDMA has mapped GLOF sites in Pakistan with constant monitoring through satellite imagery and data from relevant line departments. Some of the vulnerable Glacier lakes include: Khurdopin Glacier, Badswat Glacier, Shisper Glacier, Chilinji Glacier, Ghulkin Glacier, Darkut Glacier, Reshun Glacier, etc.
NDMA’s latest Situation Analysis (June 29) highlights that more than 3,000 glacial lakes exist in the region, with 36 identified as vulnerable and 4–5 assessed as being at immediate risk of bursting in 2025. These unfolding events reflect not just a meteorological crisis but also a profound climate injustice: Pakistan remains among the countries most affected by climate change while contributing minimally to global emissions.
Widespread Impacts and Growing Vulnerabilities
Riverine Flooding: Swelling rivers such as the Swat, Kabul, and Chenab threaten to overflow, endangering settlements along their banks.
Urban and Flash Flooding: Major cities lack adequate drainage systems, increasing the risk of localized inundation and economic disruption.
Infrastructure Damage: Echoing the devastation of 2022, critical infrastructure, homes, roads, bridges, schools, faces renewed threat.
Health Risks: Stagnant water and displacement contribute to rising cases of cholera, dengue, malaria, and respiratory infections.
Displacement and Socioeconomic Stress: Displacement could climb into the millions, exacerbating inflation, poverty, and mental health strain.
Anticipated Humanitarian Needs
Given the high risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in several vulnerable regions, the need for timely and lifesaving emergency interventions is critical. These sudden and destructive floods can lead to loss of life, displacement, and severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, especially impacting women, children, and the elderly. Immediate response efforts, including access to healthcare, safe shelter, food, and essential non-food items, are essential to reduce suffering and protect the well-being of affected communities.
As the emergency unfolds, a multi-sector response will be vital. Expected needs include:
Emergency Shelter & Non-Food Items: Tents, tarpaulins, bedding, kitchen sets, and lighting for displaced households.
Food Security & Livelihoods: Ready-to-eat meals, dry rations, and livelihood rehabilitation for flood-affected communities.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH): Access to safe drinking water, hygiene kits, mobile toilets, and water purification supplies.
Health & Nutrition: Mobile medical units, essential medicines, maternal care, treatment of communicable diseases, and nutrition screening.
Protection Services: Safe spaces for women and children, GBV case management, psychosocial support, and referral systems.
Education in Emergencies: Temporary learning spaces, school supplies, and catch-up support for affected students.
Logistics & Access: Transportation of relief goods, access to remote communities, and coordination support.
Heightened Vulnerabilities Among Women and Children
Women and children in Pakistan face disproportionate risks during flood emergencies due to pre-existing inequalities, limited access to services, and heightened protection concerns. Displacement often disrupts access to maternal healthcare, education, and safe shelter, leaving women, particularly those who are pregnant or lactating, without essential medical support.
In 2022, over 1.6 million women of childbearing age were affected by floods, with many lacking access to reproductive health services. Children, especially girls, are frequently forced out of school, with some never returning to formal education. The destruction of schools and healthcare facilities, combined with overcrowded shelters lacking privacy and sanitation, increases the risk of gender-based violence (GBV), child marriage, and mental health challenges.
Malnutrition and disease further compound these vulnerabilities. UNICEF reported that more than 1 in 9 children in flood-affected areas were suffering from severe acute malnutrition, with over 2 million children in need of urgent treatment. Poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and food insecurity exacerbate health risks, particularly for children under five and pregnant women. The lack of gender-sensitive infrastructure in relief camps, such as separate latrines, menstrual hygiene supplies, and safe spaces, leaves women and girls exposed to exploitation and trauma. These intersecting risks underscore the urgent need for a gender-responsive humanitarian response that prioritises protection, health, education, and dignity for women and children.
CWSA Preparedness and Response
Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is actively coordinating with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and local stakeholders to monitor the rapidly evolving situation. As part of our preparedness strategy, we are prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable, including women, girls, children and the elderly, who face heightened risks during disasters due to systemic inequalities and limited access to services.
In recognition of these vulnerabilities, CWSA’s flood response plan incorporates gender-responsive programming across all sectors. This includes ensuring safe access to maternal and reproductive healthcare, the distribution of gender-sensitive hygiene kits, and the establishment of protection-focused spaces for women and children. Our mobile health and protection teams are being prepared to provide psychosocial support and referral services, especially in displacement settings where the risk of gender-based violence (GBV), exploitation, and child marriage tends to rise.
Community World Service Asia will launch immediate humanitarian operations in regions where it has an active field presence, with the flexibility to expand as the situation evolves. Grounded in strong local partnerships, the response will be coordinated, adaptive, and people-centered. Priority areas of intervention include:
Delivery of essential Health services through Mobile Health Units
Provision of Emergency shelter to displaced families
Distribution of critical Non-food items (NFIs)
Food assistance through in-kind packages or Cash-for-food modalities
Reinforcement of humanitarian Quality and Accountability mechanisms to ensure dignity and community engagement throughout the response
Rapid Response Fund Appeal
To facilitate immediate, life-saving humanitarian assistance, Community World Service Asia is activating a Rapid Response Fund (RRF). We urge our partners to contribute to this critical mechanism, designed to ensure a swift, coordinated response within the first 24 hours of a crisis.
Our multidisciplinary response team, comprised of trained professionals in emergency health, shelter, food security, protection, and logistics, is prepared to deploy rapidly to crisis-affected areas. With your support, the RRF will strengthen our collective ability to deliver timely, dignified, and effective aid where it’s needed most.
Contacts:
Shama Mall Deputy Regional Director Programs & Organisational Development Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia Tele: 92-21-34390541-4
Palwashay Arbab Head of Communication Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia Tele: 92-21-34390541-4
References
NDMA June 29 Report
The News- https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1325476-ndma-issues-fresh-alert-for-heavy-rains-in-parts-of-country
World Bank Report – https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2022/10/28/pakistan-flood-damages-and-economic-losses-over-usd-30-billion-and-reconstruction-needs-over-usd-16-billion-new-assessme
Govt. of Pakistan – https://www.finance.gov.pk/survey/chapters_23/Annex_III_Pakistan_Floods_2022.pdf
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave alert, forecasting a sharp rise in temperatures across much of the country. Daytime temperatures are expected to surge significantly, with Sindh and Balochistan projected to experience an increase of 6 to 8°C above normal levels. In some areas of Sindh, temperatures could soar as high as 46 to 48°C, posing serious risks to public health and well-being1. Authorities urge residents to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of extreme heat.
In Sindh’s Umerkot district, the heatwave is already intensifying, with temperatures expected to reach 47°C in the coming days. Unusually, this spike has occurred nearly a month earlier than the typical onset in mid-May, with extreme conditions beginning in mid-April. The heatwave is projected to persist through April, May, and June2.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The heatwave is disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, including pregnant and lactating women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, individuals with chronic health conditions, and daily wage labourers exposed to the sun for prolonged periods. In Umerkot, these risks are exacerbated by limited access to clean drinking water, electricity, and healthcare services. Women, in particular, face increased burdens during such climate extremes, necessitating urgent, gender-sensitive interventions.
While no casualties have been reported so far, communities are facing major disruptions to daily life. Many residents remain indoors during peak afternoon hours, and CWSA health dispensaries have recorded a sharp decline in patient visits after 12 PM, underscoring the severity of the conditions.
Identified Humanitarian Needs
Several critical humanitarian needs have been identified to safeguard the most vulnerable populations and reduce the impact of extreme heat:
Emergency Health Services
Deployment of Mobile Medical Units to reach pregnant women, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses in remote areas.
Provision of first aid and hydration therapy for those experiencing symptoms of heatstroke and dehydration.
Increased staffing and supplies at existing health dispensaries to manage potential surges in heat-related illnesses.
Access to Safe Drinking Water
Installation of temporary water stations in public spaces and high-risk areas.
Distribution of water containers and purification tablets to households with poor water access.
Ensuring clean water supply at schools, health facilities, and community centres.
Community Awareness and Behavioural Change
Mass awareness campaigns on heat safety, symptoms of heat exhaustion/stroke, and dehydration prevention.
Targeted education sessions through Village Management Committees (VMCs), particularly for women and children.
Promotion of protective behaviours, such as avoiding outdoor activities between 11:00 AM–4:00 PM, wearing light clothing, and staying hydrated.
Gender-Sensitive Support
Inclusion of women’s specific needs, especially for pregnant and lactating mothers.
Safe and private access points for women at water stations and medical services.
Distribution of IEC materials tailored for women and girls on self-care during heatwaves.
Infrastructure and Shelter Support
Setting up shaded relief centres and cooling zones in public areas, markets, and near labour sites.
Distribution of cooling aids like fans, umbrellas, and cloth shades for households.
Community World Service Asia (CWSA) Response
Community World Service Asia (CWSA) has launched a targeted heatwave response in Umerkot, Sindh, in collaboration with the Village Management Committees (VMCs) that it engages with at the community level. Awareness sessions are being held with men, women, and children to share critical information on hydration, heat protection, and behavioural safety—particularly urging residents to avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
The VMCs are playing a pivotal role in strengthening community resilience by disseminating life-saving information and ensuring protection for the most at-risk populations. CWSA is also distributing information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and offering first aid to affected individuals through its three operational health dispensaries.
In coordination with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), District Administration, and Health Department, CWSA is supporting plans to establish relief camps at hospitals and key public locations. These camps will provide access to clean drinking water, shade, and emergency medical care. Additionally, CWSA is prepared to deploy its Mobile Health Units, equipped with essential supplies, to provide outreach services across the desert union councils of Umerkot.
To address the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the region, CWSA aims to implement long-term resilience measures:
Establishment of community-based heatwave preparedness camps.
Creation of permanent heat resilience hubs in high-risk areas.
Training of Lady Health Workers and community volunteers in first aid, hydration therapy, and early detection of heat-related illness.
Regular early warning sessions and public awareness campaigns.
Collaboration with PDMA/DDMA and local media to ensure timely dissemination of heatwave alerts.
Ongoing community education on dehydration prevention, heatstroke symptoms, and protective behaviours.
Last year, we traveled to the Thar region of Umerkot to document the transformative impact of the Humanitarian Assistance, Early Recovery, and Development (HERD) Project, supported by Canadian Foodgrain Bank (CFGB) and Presbytarian World Service and Development. (PWS&D). Through our lens, we captured stories of resilience, hope, and progress. Six months later, we returned to the village to share the documentary with the very people whose lives it portrayed. The entire community came together to witness their own stories unfold on screen—a moment of reflection, empowerment, and collective strength.
Latifan, a 20-year-old woman from Ramo Vehro, UC Faqeer Abdullah in Umerkot, lives with her husband, Yaseen Muhammad, and their three-year-old son, Umer. The household also includes her brother-in-law, his wife, and their three children, making it a family of eight living under one roof. Yaseen works as a daily wage labourer, earning PKR 500 (approximately USD 1.8) per day, though there are occasional opportunities where he earns up to PKR 1000 (approximately USD 7.2) for a day’s work. The family’s monthly expenses amount to around PKR 8,000 (approximately USD 28.7), covering essential grocery items such as wheat, sugar, tea leaves, and rice.
In 2021, a severe drought devastated Latifan’s village, destroying agricultural lands and decimating livestock. The family farmed on four acres of shared land, cultivating cluster beans and millet. However, the drought rendered their crops useless, leaving them in a dire economic state. The family faced a very challenging time but they have persevered and remained resilient.
Community World Service Asia (CWSA), with support from Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), initiated a Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance programme in the drought-affected regions of Umerkot. The initiative provided PKR 17,000 ( (approximately USD 61) per household every month for three months—September, October, and November—benefitting 460 households, including Latifan’s family. Their inclusion in the programme was due to their large household size, low income, and farming background. Upon receiving the first tranche of PKR 17,000, Latifan prioritised purchasing wheat for PKR 10,000 (approximately USD 36), with PKR 1,000 (approximately USD 3.6) allocated to land preparation expenses. The remaining PKR 6,000 (approximately USD 22) was spent on groceries such as lentils, rice, and tea leaves, leaving her with PKR 1,000 (approximately USD 3.6) in savings.
Latifan’s aspirations for the remaining instalments include repairing their home and purchasing a mobile phone to facilitate better communication. Her leadership skills are evident through her active participation in the community as a member of the Village Management Committee led by CWSA. As deputy president, she not only takes training sessions from CWSA’s women mobilisers but also shares her knowledge on cultivation and harvesting techniques with other women farmers in the community. Her confidence and proactive nature have made her a key contact for NGOs organising community visits.
The cash assistance programme has significantly improved the family’s living conditions, enabling them to afford three meals a day. Previously, they managed only one or two meals daily. The family’s meals now consist of a good breakfast, potato curry for lunch, and chapati (flatbread) with curry for dinner. They live in a modest two-room house shared between Latifan’s family and her brother-in-law’s household. Their combined livestock of seven goats—four belonging to the brother-in-law and three to Latifan—provides milk for household consumption, with additional milk sold by her brother-in-law, who earns PKR 200 to 300 (approximately USD 1) as a shepherd.
Despite these improvements, Latifan’s family continues to face hardships. The lingering threat of drought hampers agricultural recovery, and Yaseen’s fluctuating income barely meets their needs. A mounting debt of PKR 200,000 (approximately USD 720) weighs heavily on the family, accrued primarily from food purchases and medical expenses, including PKR 40,000 (approximately USD 144) for Latifan’s cesarean operation when her son was born. Health remains a top concern, particularly with her son being susceptible to common childhood illnesses like flu, fever, and cough, which could hinder his healthy growth. Additionally, her nephew’s sleep disturbances pose a further health worry. However, through hard work and payments made to the landlord, they have managed to repay PKR 100,000 (approximately USD 360) of the debt.
Latifan’s determination remains unwavering. Her family plans to use the forthcoming assistance to improve their land conditions, resume crop cultivation, and allocate PKR 10,000 (approximately USD 36) towards further debt repayment. With a vision for a more stable future, Latifan continues to lead her household and community with resilience, striving for financial independence and a sustainable livelihood amidst ongoing challenges.
Pakistan—the fifth most populated country in the world—is extremely vulnerable to climate change and food insecurity. The Global Climate Risk Index ranks Pakistan as one of the most climate-affected countries in the world. With an economy heavily reliant on agriculture (almost 20% of GDP), even minor climactic incidences can have dramatic effects on food security.
To help build seeds of resilience in marginalised communities, CWSA implemented a humanitarian assistance, early recovery, and development (HERD) project, with the support of PWS&D, in highly food-insecure Sindh province.
The project, which supported 23,319 people, provided emergency food assistance during the first stage of intervention. Further stages provided families with seeds and training on climate-smart agriculture. Additionally, 300 women artisans received training to expand their livelihood opportunities.
Watch the Seeds of Resilience video, which documents the changes in the community, and then engage in discussion and dialogue using the provided discussion questions.
**This project received financial support from the Government of Canada through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Sawal and her husband Sikandar Ali, a driver, faced immense hardship when they lost their livestock and home during the torrential rains. For almost two months, the couple and their five-year-old daughter were forced to live in makeshift tents on higher grounds, on a sharing basis with other villagers. In June 2022, the rural areas of Sindh were severely impacted by heavy rains, devastating villages and leaving the residents in dire conditions. Subhan Panhyar village, located in Khairpur District, was among the hardest hit, with nearly everyone left without land and food.
The villagers had to ration food items among themselves for months, often finding it insufficient. There were days when the village elders went without food to ensure the younger children could eat. Sawal and her family endured this struggle for two months, compromising on food, shelter, and land. The rains took everyone’s possessions and destroyed the lands that provided a means of livelihood. In the villages of Khairpur, nearly every family worked in the fields and depended on agriculture, but the floods struck just as the land was ready for harvest. The rains ruined everything, leaving the villagers without crops to sell or consume, which severely worsened their situation.
Sawal, after having her daughter, tried to conceive another child many times, but nothing seemed to work. The long gap between having children was distressing for her family, who desperately desired a new family member. Sawal and Sikandar traveled from their small village to Ranipur in search of better clinics but their efforts were unsuccessful. Sikandar also took Sawal to a government hospital in Karachi, but they returned empty-handed.
“It used to cost us a lot,” Sawal said, “A trip to Sukkur would mean spending PKR 2000 (approx 7.2 USD) on commuting and another 1500 PKR (approx 5.4 USD) on prescribed medicines. When we went to Karachi, we ended up in extreme debt. I took a loan of PKR 20,000 (approx 72 USD) from my boss, where I work as a driver, but we had to return because we couldn’t afford the living expenses in a city like Karachi.” Despite their efforts and expenses, Sawal was still unable to conceive, leaving her devastated.
Community World Service Asia (CWSA) has been implementing flood response projects in flood affected districts of Sindh, including Khairpur. With the support of Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) and CAFOD, CWSA launched a Flood Recovery Response that included the establishment of two Rural Health Clinics (RHC), the provision of two Mobile Health Units (MHU), and free medicines, awareness through medical camps and health sessions.
When a community mobiliser of CWSA held a health session in Subhan Panhyar, the villagers were informed about the visiting hours, location, and health facilities of the nearby Mobile Health Unit. Upon hearing this, Sawal wasted no time and decided to visit the clinic.
In January 2024, when Sawal visited the clinic for the first time, she was prescribed medications to improve her health, including calcium and vitamins. After just one month of consistent treatment, Sawal was able to conceive. “I could not believe it when the doctors gave me a strip test, and it came back positive,” Sawal said. “We had been trying for months with no success. It was the lady health workers and the medications from the health unit that made the difference. Previously, doctors had given me medications without explaining the problem. At the clinic, they told me my body was too weak to bear a child. Once my health improved, I conceived quickly.”
The medical staff guided her to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, ensuring both she and her baby received the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Sawal is now three months pregnant. She has visited the clinic twice—once when she was upset about not being able to conceive, and the second time to inform the Lady Health Worker (LHW) and Lady Health Visitor (LHV) of her pregnancy. She continues to visit the clinic as needed, receiving medicines for her unborn child, herself, and occasionally for her daughter if she is unwell.
“We wasted so much money on city doctors and medicines. If only I had known earlier about this health clinic, we wouldn’t be in debt,” Sawal reflected. Currently, Sikandar owes his boss PKR 20,000, but Sawal is hopeful that they will repay it. With their desire for a new baby almost fulfilled, Sikandar is now free of stress and works day and night to earn more as their family will soon be expanding.
Since the project’s implementation in March 2023, a total of 40,556 patients have visited the Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) for the first time, and 48,945 patients have visited the MHUs for general OPD. At the RHCs in Nara Gate and Choondko, primary health care services are provided, including General OPD, Antenatal Care (ANC), Prenatal Care (PNC), and normal baby deliveries. Each day, the dedicated CWSA staff at these RHCs and Mobile Health Units (MHUs) accommodate up to 120 patients at each location, ensuring that vital healthcare services reach those in need.
