The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has launched its first-ever Social Protection Strategy, aimed at building a coordinated, inclusive, and data-driven welfare system to support vulnerable communities across the province.
The initiative marks a major milestone in improving the lives of citizens through a unified social protection framework designed to reduce poverty, enhance resilience, and protect against economic and climate-related shocks.
Developed with support from the German Government through GIZ, the strategy focuses on establishing a people-centered and transparent welfare system. It seeks to align multiple welfare programs under one accountable structure, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most while minimizing duplication and inefficiencies.
The launch was organized by the Public Policy and Social Protection Reforms Unit (PP&SPRU) under the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) of the Planning and Development Department. The event brought together senior officials from KP, Punjab, Sindh, and the federal government, along with representatives from development partners, academia, and civil society.
📘 A 2025–2030 Roadmap for Inclusive Growth
The KP Social Protection Strategy 2025–2030 serves as an actionable roadmap linking social protection with disaster risk management, gender equality, and livelihood promotion. It positions KP as a national leader in adaptive, rights-based governance aligned with the province’s Social Protection Policy 2022.
“Social protection is not only a moral imperative but a key investment in human capital and social cohesion,” said Muhammad Nadir Khan Rana, Special Secretary, Planning and Development Department.
He emphasized that resilience to economic and environmental shocks is essential for sustainable progress.
Maria Jose Poddey, Country Director, GIZ Pakistan, described the strategy as “a landmark step toward a more inclusive and resilient society”, praising the participatory approach and strong political commitment behind it.
Muhammad Taufique, Additional Secretary, P&D Department, said KP is transitioning from “fragmented welfare schemes to a unified, institutional framework,” while Kamran Khan, Project Director PP&SPRU, noted that data-driven tools like the Provincial Socio-Economic Registry and unified payment systems will ensure greater transparency and efficiency.
In her closing remarks, Johanna Knoess, Head of Project, Adaptive Social Protection at GIZ Pakistan, called KP’s initiative “a model for other provinces to follow.”
With the upcoming establishment of a Social Protection Authority, the province aims to transform this strategy into coordinated action — delivering tangible improvements for KP’s most vulnerable citizens.
