Pakistan Crisis Response Plan 2023 - 2025

CRP last updated: December 17 2024
$76,313,250
Funding required
1,223,300
People Targeted
333
Entities targeted

IOM Pakistan is dedicated to saving lives, alleviating suffering, and upholding human dignity by ensuring safe and dignified living conditions for displaced individuals and communities affected by displacement. IOM is committed to addressing the complex, multi-faceted drivers of crises and displacement while working to reduce their long-term negative effects. Upon request from the Government, IOM will continue to provide crisis response, collaborating with civil society to foster protection-centred environments that support recovery, stabilization, social cohesion, peacebuilding, and preparedness efforts.

After falling ill from contaminated water following Pakistan’s 2022 floods, Sampa, now benefits from new water pump, latrines, and handwashing stations in her village. © IOM Pakistan 2024

INFORM Risk 

6.4, High 

INFORM Severity 

4, High 

Human Development Index  

164 of 193, Low 

Pakistan is consistently ranked among the ten most vulnerable countries to the effects of global climate change.1 The country is under stress from various natural hazards, including seismic activity originating in the Himalaya region, along with numerous hydrometeorological hazards such as flooding, cyclones, droughts, and adverse weather, which are expected to intensify and affect the lives and livelihoods of millions of people, and also exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.  

Instability in Afghanistan during the past few decades has led to a substantial influx of Afghan nationals into Pakistan.  As per the Regional Refuge Response Plan 2024-2025, there are approximately 3.1 million Afghan nationals living in Pakistan.2 Of them, approximately 1.33 million  are holding a Proof of Registration (PoR) card issued by the Government of Pakistan, while 803,000 hold an Afghan Citizen Card (ACC), 800,000 individuals are believed to be undocumented with a further 143,900 Unregistered Members of Registered Families.3 Since the October 2023 launch of the three-phase “Illegal Foreigner Repatriation Plan” (IFRP) set against a wider and ongoing trend of consistent arrests, detention, and deportation of Afghans, a total of 738,583 Afghan nationals – including 88 per cent of undocumented Afghans – have returned to Afghanistan through the implementation of the IFRP. Plans for carrying out the second phase of the IFRP, targeting ACC holders were announced but have not materialized (as of late 2024).

IOM works in close partnership with the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and UN Country Team (UNCT), donors and government partners, and implements various programmes spanning humanitarian assistance, protection, mobility monitoring, community stabilization, migration management, humanitarian border management, capacity-strengthening and communications, in cooperation with an extensive network of partners. IOM also leads data collection activities through its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to guide evidence-based programming, from pre-crisis risk assessment, during-crisis humanitarian data and post-crisis supporting community stabilization. IOM is also among 19 UN agencies working with the Government of Pakistan to assist the most vulnerable under the “Delivering as One UN Programme,” which seeks to enhance the coherence, efficiency and effectiveness of the UN in country. 

Under the UNCT, IOM leads the Shelter and Non-Food Items (S-NFI) sector in the context of hazards. IOM has a history of coordinating S-NFI responses in Pakistan, in support of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA), including approximately 53 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international NGOs (INGOs) and UN agencies. Since August 2022, IOM has re-established and maintained active S-NFI coordination mechanisms at the national, provincial, and district levels across Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Sukkur, and Hyderabad, which were crucial during the 2022 flood response and initial recovery phase. Under the IOM-led S-NFI sector working group, Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) is integrated as a sub-sector.  

In addition, IOM actively participates in coordination mechanisms and discussions to support implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027. Under the Protection sector, IOM is an active member of the gender-based violence (GBV) sub-working group. IOM also implements projects through women-led organizations, such as the Women Empowerment Organization (WEO) in Islamabad and Punjab.  With regards to protection from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH), IOM is an active member of the Pakistan PSEA Network and its sub-working groups on the UN Implementing Partner Protocol, capacity-strengthening and inter-agency referral standard operating procedures (SOP) document. With regards to climate change,

IOM began its operations in Pakistan in 1981 and has since expanded its capacities across the country. IOM now has an established mission comprising around 1,300 staff in offices in Islamabad, Lahore, Mirpur, Karachi, Sukkur, Peshawar and Quetta. IOM has a unique position with a presence in all provinces of the country, enabling it to provide direct support to affected populations and lead on coordination at the national and provincial levels. With its extended presence and its staff and partners being able to access a vast range of field locations, IOM has established itself as the main responder to humanitarian emergencies in the country. IOM was a leading responder to emergencies, in particular natural hazards, such as the earthquake in 2005 and the floods in 2010, 2011 and 2022. 

IOM Pakistan focuses on addressing humanitarian needs and reducing vulnerabilities linked to longer-term interventions through protection-sensitive programming, supporting durable solutions for displaced populations, tailored to local needs and priorities, and contributing to stability and peacebuilding, addressing drivers of instability, conflict, and climate change. IOM supports government and civil society actors to create conditions for stabilization and to manage safe, orderly, and regular migration, including in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This support includes interventions related to tailored protection responses to vulnerable/at risk individuals, assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR), movement and resettlement assistance including pre-departure cultural orientation for refugees, migration health, immigration and border governance (IBG) including humanitarian border management, and conflict-sensitive humanitarian support to climate- and conflict-affected Pakistanis and migrants in Pakistan. IOM follows an integrated approach to address the highest priority needs, including supporting economic opportunities and private sector revitalization, strengthening social cohesion between communities, and enhancing the resilience of people affected by conflict, climate change and displacement. 

IOM signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Government of Pakistan on 9 October 2000 and maintains close engagement with national authorities and institutions. IOM supports the Government to strengthen migration management, contributing to the country’s efforts to ensure no one is left behind, while upholding fundamental rights, fostering resilience, promoting accountability, and advancing sustainability. Government counterparts include the Ministry of Interior (MOI), MOFA, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD), Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations and Coordination (MNHSRC), National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), National Institute of Health (NIH), the SAFRON, CAR, and Provincial CAR. 

IOM supports the Government to ensure that basic social services are equally accessible to all, including for people on the move, especially during crises s. In particular, IOM works closely with the border management authorities and law enforcement agencies to build stronger rights sensitive border governance through the provision of training and materials on humanitarian border management as well as equipment and tools. IOM also works with law enforcement agencies on strengthening their capacity in protection, in particular on the rights of migrants, including those of Afghan nationals in Pakistan tied to their respective status, and on countering human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. For humanitarian responses to hazards, as the lead of the S-NFI sector and participating in other sectors, IOM facilitates coordination under the lead of the Government, and provides emergency response and support, including health, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), education and social protection, shelter, CCCM and early recovery. Jointly with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), IOM also provides technical support to the Government, advocating for the respect and protection of the rights of all migrants and displaced people.  

In addition, IOM continues to support the Government of Pakistan in the development and/or implementation of policies and other strategic documents to integrate human mobility and displacement, so enhancing the human rights of all human beings, particularly migrants and displaced populations; for example the National Adaptation Plan or Climate Change Action Plans steering Pakistan toward climate-resilient development.

Key Operating Modalities
Participation and empowerment Conflict sensitivity Integrated Programming Collaboration and partnership Localization Cash-based interventions
Cross-cutting priorities
Data and evidence Protection Mainstreaming Gender Equality Prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse Disaster Risk Climate Change Law and policy

IOM’s localization approach in Pakistan effectively reflects the five pillars of IOM’s global Localization Framework. By fostering equitable partnerships with local organizations, projects are co-designed with the local organizations and community stakeholders to reflect community priorities. Funding is allocated to locally-led initiatives where feasible, enhancing accountability and community participation, as these local actors often represent the voices and priorities of the community. Across Pakistan, IOM works with a strong network of local partners and is committed to strengthening capacities, as needed, on both programme delivery and administrative requirements, to ensure the long-term sustainability of locally-led interventions. 

Rooted in IOM’s community-based planning (CBP) approach, IOM Pakistan strives to ensure that local voices are central to decision-making. For example, under Protection, IOM works with five local organizations, leveraging their local knowledge and expertise to strategically expand the scope and reach of its work in vulnerable areas across Pakistan.

Objective 1 - Saving lives and protecting people on the move
Saving lives and protecting people on the move

$35,561,000
Funding required
1,168,630
People Targeted
281
Entities Targeted
Primary target groups
International migrant
Refugee
Internally displaced person
Local population / community

In 2025, IOM will continue to deliver essential assistance to vulnerable populations in Pakistan, including undocumented and ACC Afghan nationals and host communities. By addressing basic needs and providing protection services, IOM seeks to mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities these populations face and will ensure that its crisis programming remains inclusive, gender-sensitive and responsive to the unique needs of women, girls, men and boys in affected communities.  

IOM Pakistan will adopt a comprehensive, integrated approach to meet immediate needs, offering a range of support such as shelter, NFI, cash assistance, protection including gender-based violence (GBV) services, healthcare, CCCM, as well as WASH support. Particular emphasis will be placed on serving minorities, marginalized groups, and those with specific needs, ensuring that protection is central to all interventions. 

To uphold a high standard of humanitarian response and foster social cohesion, IOM Pakistan will leverage data from its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) tools and other relevant data sources to deliver targeted and impactful assistance to communities in need. Assistance extends not only to Afghan nationals but also to host communities, promoting harmony and resource-sharing. For instance, Emergency Health programming intentionally allocates support to both host and Afghan communities , helping reduce competition for resources and fostering peaceful coexistence.  

Objective 2 - Driving solutions to displacement
Driving solutions to displacement

$40,752,250
Funding required
353,000
People Targeted
52
Entities Targeted
Primary target groups
International migrant
Refugee
Internally displaced person
Local population / community

IOM Pakistan’s approach to long-term recovery focuses on tackling structural vulnerabilities by expanding livelihoods, rehabilitating essential infrastructure for displaced and host communities and fostering adaptation to the long-term effects of climate and environmental change. To increase self-reliance, IOM will continue providing small-scale livelihood opportunities, social enterprise support, and materials or cash for small business development to help communities rebuild assets and infuse capital into local economies. To mitigate adverse drivers, IOM will strengthen community cohesion through community-based planning programmes, shared livelihoods and economic integration, socially inclusive service provision and community-based resilience activities to mitigate the impact of the Afghan crisis for both Afghan nationals and host communities.  

Finally, IOM will empower local communities and government authorities to more effectively withstand and adapt to climate shocks for sustainable, long-term climate resilience. This will include restoring sustainable, climate change-adapted livelihoods and increased access to labour markets as well as mitigating the impact of the monsoon floods. For example, IOM Pakistan will work with local communities to develop community-based early warning systems (EWS) in at-risk communities and re-construct housing using vernacular building materials and techniques, making them more resistant to future shocks. Similarly, the Enterprise Development Fund supports Pakistani business owners who, in turn, create employment opportunities for Afghan nationals, enhancing economic interdependence and social cohesion between the communities. 

Objective 1
Saving lives and protecting people on the move
$35,561,000
Funding required
[{"name":"Human suffering is alleviated","y":70},{"name":"Threats and vulnerabilities are reduced","y":25},{"name":"The quality of humanitarian assistance is enhanced","y":5}]
Objective 2
Driving solutions to displacement
$40,752,250
Funding required
[{"name":"Adverse drivers of displacement are minimized","y":17},{"name":"Displaced people are resilient and self-reliant","y":41},{"name":"Displaced people benefit from solutions","y":42}]

Percentage of funding required contributing to the long term outcomes expressed on IOM's Strategic Results Framework.

$268,250
Funding required
Related inter agency plans
(R)RRP UNSDCF

IOM Pakistan will continue to prioritize protection mainstreaming across all sectors and programme areas. IOM Pakistan conducts protection trainings and capacity strengthening for both IOM staff, as well as its implementing partners and external partners and government stakeholders, on topics including core protection principles, child safeguarding, GBV risk mitigation, protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), and how to conduct safe referrals. Additionally, following the 2024 country rollout of IOM's Institutional Framework for Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Crises (GBViC Framework), the mission will strive to mainstream GBV risk mitigation in all sectors of the mission’s programming to uphold common standards and the do no harm principle. Finally, SEAH prevention, mitigation, and response and the mainstreaming of PSEAH and AAP throughout all IOM Pakistan work will remain a priority in 2025. Currently, IOM Pakistan has a mission-wide confidential hotline for affected and local communities to request information, provide feedback and make complaints, including sensitive complaints such as SEAH, which will continue into 2025.

$268,250
Funding required
[["Saving lives",56],["Solutions to displacement",44]]
Distribution of multipurpose cash assistance in Karachi to Afghan nationals in need of humanitarian assistance. © IOM Pakistan 2022
Distribution of multipurpose cash assistance in Karachi to Afghan nationals in need of humanitarian assistance. © IOM Pakistan 2022
Data for action, insight and foresight
$4,000,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans (R)RRP UNSDCF
Basic needs, including food and multi-purpose cash assistance
$10,560,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans (R)RRP
Camp coordination and camp management
$2,000,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans UNSDCF
Shelter and settlements
$11,000,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans (R)RRP
Water, sanitation and hygiene
$5,000,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans (R)RRP UNSDCF
Health
$2,000,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans (R)RRP UNSDCF
Mental health and psychosocial support
$900,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans (R)RRP UNSDCF
Protection
$7,004,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans (R)RRP UNSDCF
Humanitarian border management and search and rescue
$2,000,000 Funding required
Disaster risk management
$4,750,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans UNSDCF
Livelihoods and economic recovery
$16,581,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans (R)RRP UNSDCF
Land and property
$250,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans (R)RRP
Community stabilization and community-driven development
$5,000,000 Funding required
Peacebuilding, violence and conflict reduction
$5,000,000 Funding required
Operational presence in

Pakistan

556
International staff and affiliated work force
929
National staff and affiliated work force
10
IOM field office

 

The map used here is for illustration purposes only. Names and boundaries do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by IOM.

Figures are as of 31 December 2023. For more details of IOM's operational capacity in country, please see the IOM Capacity section.

With thanks to our current donors