Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Launches First-Ever Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2026

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has formally launched the province’s first-ever Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Policy 2026, marking a major milestone towards strengthening disaster preparedness, prevention, mitigation and resilience across the province. The policy has been developed by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the support of the German Government and GIZ Pakistan. A special launching ceremony was held in Peshawar, where Provincial Minister for Information Mr. Shafiullah Jan attended the event as the Chief Guest. Secretary Relief, Rehabilitation & Settlement Department KP Mr. Sohail Khan, Director General PDMA KP Mr. Arifullah Awan, Representative of the German Government Dr. Meriam Bodenbender, and Project Head of Adaptive Social Protection, GIZ Pakistan, Ms. Johanna Knoess were among the distinguished guests. Addressing the ceremony, the distinguished speakers highlighted the growing risks posed by natural and climate-related disasters and stressed the need for a coordinated, proactive and long-term approach to disaster risk reduction. In his presentation, Director General PDMA KP Mr. Arifullah Awan briefed the participants about the importance, objectives and key features of the DRR Policy 2026. He explained that the policy provides a comprehensive framework for moving from a response-oriented approach towards risk prevention, preparedness, mitigation and resilience building. The DG PDMA highlighted that the policy would help strengthen coordination among relevant government departments, institutions, development partners and communities. It would also support better risk assessment, early warning systems, preparedness planning, community awareness and disaster-resilient development. The distinguished guests appreciated the efforts of PDMA, the Relief, Rehabilitation & Settlement Department, the German Government and GIZ Pakistan in developing the policy and described its launch as an important step towards making Khyber Pakhtunkhwa safer and more resilient against disasters. Chief Guest and Information Minister Mr. Shafiullah Jan appreciated the efforts of PDMA and all stakeholders involved in the preparation of the policy. He said that disaster risks are increasing due to climate change and other emerging challenges, making effective disaster risk reduction an essential part of sustainable development. He termed the launch of the first-ever DRR Policy 2026 a significant achievement and acknowledged the cooperation of the German Government and GIZ Pakistan in supporting the provincial government in this important initiative. The speakers emphasised that the success of the policy would depend on its effective implementation, strong institutional coordination and active involvement of communities and other stakeholders. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Minister for Information Mr. Shafiullah Jan distributed shields among officials, experts and representatives of partner organisations who played a vital role in the development and finalisation of the DRR Policy 2026. The launching ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment by the provincial government, PDMA, development partners and other stakeholders to work together for a safer, better-prepared and disaster-resilient Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.