Overview
- The Gilgit‑Baltistan Rural Development and Climate Resilience Project was formally signed and launched on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 by regional officials and delegations from Agence Française de Développement, the European Union and the Aga Khan Foundation.
- Partners say the €54.24 million programme will reach about 43,200 households (roughly 325,600 people) and aims for women to make up at least 40% of direct beneficiaries.
- Planned infrastructure work includes 216 water and sanitation schemes (117 drinking‑water projects and 30 sanitation schemes with sewerage/treatment), green retrofits for 3,000 homes, climate‑resilient construction for 700 households and hydropower expected to add 1,200–1,300 kW.
- Northern Pakistan Energy Limited presented a 30‑year Gilgit‑Baltistan Energy Master Plan developed under the EU’s Energy Plus programme to guide long‑term renewable deployment alongside the short‑term resilience investments.
- The partners say financing combines AFD funds, an EU grant, AKF resources and community contributions and that immediate next steps include vulnerability assessments, community participation processes and local training to build capacity for project delivery.