HOW INCLUSIVE ARE PAKISTAN’S DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE FRAMEWORKS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND WHAT POLICY GAPS REMAIN

Abstract

With respect to disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Pakistan, it is critical to know if the country's national frameworks are accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities. This study takes a close look at the Disaster Management Act, National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, National Disaster Management Plan, the NDMA Guidelines on the Protection of Vulnerable Groups, National Climate Change Policy and the Pakistan National Adaptation Plan, and benchmarked them against the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Sustainable Development Goals 13.1 and 1G.7. The analysis of the document reveals general commitments towards the disabled, but the effectiveness of policies is hindered. The findings expose a lot of empty promises to "vulnerable groups" who do not have operational support, in seven areas: early warning systems, training drills, shelter and evacuation, continuity of care, and financing. Since accessible facilities, consultations, and clear monitoring aren’t addressed in the plans, there are real gaps in the safety nets and the country’s ability to respond to disasters. The study basically says that Pakistan’s current disaster reduction and climate plans don't use a person-centered, holistic approach to getting people with disabilities involved in the decision-making process. The paper concludes with a single, actionable recommendation: institutionalize the participation of DPOs in the National Disaster Management Commission to ensure consistent representation, policy feedback, and accountability in DRR and climate governance