Floods disrupt millions of jobs across Pakistan

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has warned that the 2025 floods may have disrupted or wiped out nearly 3.3 million jobs across Pakistan, with rural communities and agriculture facing the most severe impact.

According to the assessment, conducted across 14 of the worst-affected districts in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the majority of employment losses were concentrated in nine districts of Punjab. Rural areas accounted for around 78 percent of the total job losses, highlighting the vulnerability of communities dependent on agriculture and informal work.

The report noted that agriculture was the hardest-hit sector, followed by services and industry, as widespread flooding damaged crops, infrastructure, and local economies. The findings are part of a broader damage assessment supported by global partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union, and the United Nations Development Programme.

Green Passport Restored Through Leadership and Historic National Efforts: Nawaz Sharif

While initial compensation measures helped provide relief and support resettlement, the ILO emphasised that more comprehensive efforts are needed to restore livelihoods. It recommended targeted recovery strategies such as cash-for-work programmes, vocational training, and subsidised credit to help affected households restart economic activities.

Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain acknowledged the severe damage to livelihoods, particularly among daily wage earners, small farmers, and vulnerable rural populations. He stressed the importance of employment-focused recovery initiatives in collaboration with provincial governments and development partners.

ILO Country Director Geir Tonstol said rebuilding employment must remain central to recovery efforts, warning that the floods have deepened economic vulnerability. He called for coordinated and timely interventions to promote income recovery and long-term resilience against climate-related disasters.

Officials say sustained efforts will be crucial to restoring jobs and stabilising affected communities in the months ahead.