Pakistan

Introduction

Pakistan is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. Due to economic concerns and multiple severe climate shocks, many of over 235 million Pakistanis struggle to access basic services, as well as an estimated 2.36 million Afghans with varying statuses. 

Moreover, for many years, military and insurgent operations in Pakistan have caused human suffering and large-scale internal displacement. 

Facts & figures

Through its humanitarian efforts, the EU provides vital support to those in need.

EU humanitarian aid and disaster preparedness:

over €683 million since 2009

What are the needs?

Pakistan is home to over 2 million Afghan nationals with various statuses. The country has been hosting Afghan refugees for the past 4 decades, making it 1 of the largest recipients of refugees globally. 

Repatriation of Afghans

Since September 2023, an already dire humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by the decision of the Government of Pakistan to proceed with the implementation of their ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ (IFRP). 

Cumulatively, from 15 September 2023 to 15 November 2025, over 1,750,000 individuals have returned to Afghanistan under concerning conditions. Many of them have called Pakistan home for decades and have nothing to go back to. Since the beginning of 2025 alone, over 960,000 (54%) have returned. First targeting foreigners without valid documentation, it is now implementing its 3 phases which target all Afghans regardless of their status. 

Providing protection and basic lifesaving services

Providing protection and basic lifesaving services for the most vulnerable Afghans in Pakistan, including those without documentation, remains a key priority for EU humanitarian aid. 

Pakistan also experiences frequent disasters such as:

• earthquakes
• floods
• recurrent droughts  

Malnutrition and limited access to water, sanitation and medical services have compromised the health care capacities of the most vulnerable communities. In addition, several yearly floods have worsened the already pressing humanitarian needs. In 2025, another unusually heavy monsoon rains affected close to 7 million people and displaced 2.9 million people.  An estimated 10.43 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. The population has been further impacted by an unprecedented economic crisis marked by high inflation.

Nutrition crisis

Additionally, Pakistan is facing an imminent nutrition crisis, exacerbated by pre-existing high rates of malnutrition in flood-affected regions. According to the latest Integrated Phase Classification (IPC), 11 million people were highly food insecure during November 2024 - July 2025. Approximately 2 million children nationwide suffer from acute malnutrition and require urgent treatment, while a further 2 million children need nutrition services. 

How are we helping?

For 2025, the total allocation is €14.55 million. This includes over €3 million in response to widespread flooding, notably the Punjab province. This brings the total funding to Pakistan since 2009 to €683 million.

In 2024, the EU allocated over €15 million in humanitarian support and disaster preparedness. This funding aims to support Afghans regardless of their status, their host communities, and disaster preparedness and response actions. It included €700,000 released in response to the severe floods during this monsoon season. 

Displacement

More than 50% of Afghans in Pakistan are considered extremely poor. EU-funded humanitarian projects assist them with:

• health care services
• nutrition
• education
• water and sanitation facilities
• protection services 

Displaced Pakistanis, both in their areas of refuge and in the destroyed areas to which they have returned, receive support for:

• education
• access to water and sanitation 

Disaster preparedness

The EU also supports programmes to enhance the disaster preparedness capabilities of communities in areas prone to both natural hazards and human-induced disasters. Current initiatives focus on strengthening national and provincial systems to prepare for and respond to, recurrent droughts, floods and other disasters.

The EU has operated in Pakistan since the 1990s providing humanitarian assistance including to people affected by the 2005 earthquake and the devastating 2010-2011 floods.

_{Last updated: 24/11/2025}