Housing for people

In August 2022, when Pakistan faced one of the most devastating climate disasters in its history, with one-third of the country submerged under water, the tragedy left millions of citizens displaced, homeless and vulnerable.

The floods brought untold destruction, but they also offered a moment to rethink disaster recovery, to envision a future where rebuilding goes beyond the physical structures, to one where justice, dignity and empowerment are central to the restoration process. Under the leadership of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Sindh government undertook an unprecedented initiative to rebuild the lives of those affected.

The Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) programme stands as the largest provincial post-disaster housing project in Pakistan’s history, encompassing an ambitious target of over 2.1 million homes to be rebuilt across the flood-affected areas. This initiative is not merely a reconstruction project but an embodiment of a progressive vision that goes beyond the restoration of physical homes to include a deep commitment to social justice, gender equity, and sustainability.

The SPHF programme, which spans a number of districts, is significant not only for its scale but for its unwavering focus on ownership equity, women’s empowerment and inclusive development. At the centre of this is a historic policy that for the first time in Pakistan’s history, women are being granted legal ownership rights to homes built through the program. More than 800,000 women, many of whom have never been able to inherit or own property, are now recognised as owners. This single decision has redefined the socio-economic landscape of Sindh, granting women more than just homes; it is granting them control over their economic future and independence.

In Sindh, where cultural norms and property laws have long denied women the right to own land or property, this initiative is revolutionary. The Sindh government’s decision to prioritise women as homeowners represents a monumental step forward in empowering women within both the public and private spheres. It ensures that their voices are heard and their rights are respected. It marks a profound shift from a history of marginalization, where women were often seen as secondary actors in property ownership and inheritance, to a future where women are central to the reconstruction and recovery of their communities.

Alongside this empowerment of women, the SPHF programme also prioritises the most vulnerable groups – including persons with disabilities, landless peasants, marginalized indigenous communities and informal settlers. Over 111,000 individuals with disabilities have been identified as beneficiaries of the program, ensuring that they too are not left behind in the recovery process. This inclusive approach reflects the vision of the PPP, which has consistently championed the rights of the marginalised, making it one of the most progressive political forces in the country.

The geographical scope of the programme spans every district affected by the 2022 floods. From the coastal areas of Thatta and Sujawal to the interior regions of Dadu, Kashmore and Larkana, every affected district is receiving attention and resources to rebuild. The impact of this effort is not just felt in urban centres but throughout the rural heartlands of Sindh, where access to government support is often limited.

For example, in Sukkur, over 83,000 homes are under construction, while Kashmore has already received 4,200 homes, with 10,000 more currently under construction. In districts like Jacobabad, Ghotki and Hyderabad, thousands of families have already been relocated into new, disaster-resilient homes, while others wait for their homes to be completed. This far-reaching initiative has transformed the recovery narrative from one of dependency and survival to one of restoration and empowerment.

One of the standout features of the programme is the technological integration that has ensured transparency, efficiency and accountability. The Sindh government, in collaboration with experts and international partners, is using cutting-edge technologies such as drone-assisted land mapping, real-time monitoring and geospatial data to track the progress of construction and ensure that homes are built in a timely and sustainable manner.

The solar energy solutions incorporated into the housing designs further reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable development. Over 200,000 homes are being powered with solar energy, reducing reliance on the national grid and contributing to Pakistan’s broader environmental goals.

The financial backing for the SPHF programme has been robust and multi-faceted. The World Bank has committed $500 million to support this initiative, recognising the scale and importance of this programme in Pakistan’s disaster recovery landscape. This global recognition has positioned Sindh as a leader in climate justice – a beacon of hope for other regions that may face similar climate-induced challenges. The Sindh government has also matched this commitment with $227 million from its own resources, proving its dedication to not just recovery, but a new way forward. These contributions have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth and swift execution of the programme.

Despite these achievements, the programme has faced its share of challenges. The federal government’s unfulfilled commitment of Rs50 billion in promised funds has created delays and put additional pressure on provincial resources. However, despite these setbacks, Sindh’s resilience has shone through. The government has continued to push forward, driven by a sense of urgency and an unyielding commitment to the people of Sindh. The lessons learned from these challenges have reinforced the need for greater provincial autonomy and decentralised governance, especially when responding to crises.

The Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) is a commitment to social justice, economic empowerment and gender equality. Through programmes like the SPHF, Sindh has shown that true resilience is not about returning to the status quo but about building a better, more just future.

The floodwaters have receded, but the work is far from done.