KP Launches New Strategy to Protect and Serve Poor Communities

The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has launched its first-ever Social Protection Strategy aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable citizens through an inclusive, data-driven, and coordinated welfare system. The initiative seeks to ensure dignity, inclusion, and resilience for all people, marking a major step toward protecting the province’s most at-risk communities from poverty, economic shocks, and climate-related challenges. Developed with the support of the German Government through GIZ, the strategy focuses on building an integrated and people-centered system where diverse welfare programs operate under a unified and accountable framework. It aims to deliver more effective support to citizens by reducing duplication, improving transparency, and ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. Organized through the Public Policy and Social Protection Reforms Unit (PP&SPRU) housed in the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) of the Planning and Development Department, the launch event brought together senior officials from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, and the Federal Government, along with representatives from development partners, academia, and civil society. Discussions centered on implementation, long-term impact, and interprovincial learning. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Social Protection Strategy serves as an actionable roadmap for 2025–2030, linking social protection with disaster risk management, gender equality, and livelihood promotion. It positions KP as a national leader in rights-based and adaptive social protection, guided by the province’s Social Protection Policy 2022. In his address, Muhammad Nadir Khan Rana, Special Secretary, Planning and Development Department, highlighted the importance of social protection as “not only a moral imperative but a key investment in human capital and social cohesion.” He emphasized that in times of economic uncertainty, climate risk, and social change, the ability of individuals and communities to recover from shocks is essential. Maria Jose Poddey, Country Director, GIZ Pakistan, called the new framework “a landmark step toward a more inclusive and resilient society,” noting that it was developed through a participatory process and reflects strong political commitment to make social protection responsive, data-driven, and adaptive to economic and climate challenges. Muhammad Taufique, Additional Secretary, Planning and Development Department, said the strategy marks KP’s transition from “fragmented welfare schemes to a unified, institutional framework.” He added that the upcoming Social Protection Authority and unified data systems will ensure a coordinated and accountable approach to governance. Muhammad Khalid Zaman, Director General, Sustainable Development Unit (SDU), said the strategy “stands as a testament to effective partnerships and shared vision,” praising the combined efforts of provincial leadership, GIZ, and other partners. Kamran Khan, Project Director, PP&SPRU, highlighted that the strategy introduces a data-driven and technology-enabled approach to improve service delivery. Tools like the Provincial Socio-Economic Registry and unified payment systems will enhance transparency and efficiency. In her closing remarks, Johanna Knoess, Head of Project, Adaptive Social Protection and Social Protection – Social Health Protection at GIZ Pakistan, commended the KP Government’s leadership, calling the strategy “a model for other provinces to follow.” The ceremony concluded with appreciation for all stakeholders who contributed to the formulation of the strategy. With the establishment of a dedicated Social Protection Authority now on the horizon, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is set to turn this vision into coordinated action and tangible improvements in service delivery for its most vulnerable citizens.