ISLAMABAD (MNN); UN-Habitat convened a high-level gathering on November 26 to review progress under the Disaster Resilient School Infrastructure (DRSI) Project, aimed at strengthening school buildings in disaster-prone areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The initiative seeks to create safer learning spaces through climate- and earthquake-resilient infrastructure.
KP remains among Pakistan’s most disaster-affected regions, facing recurring earthquakes, floods and climate-driven emergencies that have caused extensive damage to educational facilities. To address vulnerable pre-2007 structures lacking seismic resistance, UN-Habitat launched the DRSI Project for structural retrofitting, rehabilitation and essential upgrades.
Funded with 471 million Japanese Yen by the Government of Japan and JICA, and implemented jointly by UN-Habitat and UNDP with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elementary & Secondary Education Department, the project strengthened 150 schools across eight districts. Over 31,000 students, including more than 13,500 girls, benefited from upgraded buildings and 300 improved WASH facilities, including those in 66 girls’ schools.
Speaking at the event, UN-Habitat Senior Advisor Jawed Ali Khan said safer, retrofitted classrooms now offer improved lighting, ventilation and reliable WASH services, helping students learn in secure environments. JICA Chief Representative Naoaki Miyata noted that the project has enhanced resilience from primary to high school level in Buner, Swat, Malakand, Peshawar, Chitral (Upper & Lower) and Dir (Upper & Lower).
Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi appreciated the collaboration and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s resilience and school safety agenda. UN-Habitat Deputy Programme Manager Hamid Mumtaz stressed the urgent need for continued investment, noting that the organisation’s two-decade experience in Pakistan includes guidance on safer reconstruction, multi-hazard assessments and national risk-reduction frameworks.
The KP Elementary & Secondary Education Department acknowledged that the initiative has restored confidence in communities and contributed to improved enrolment and attendance in disaster-hit districts. The NDMA termed the effort a significant step toward national disaster preparedness, stating that resilient schools save lives and protect the future of children in vulnerable regions.
The DRSI Project stands as a model for targeted investment in resilience, but officials noted that needs in KP remain larger than current resources. Continued support is essential to advance school safety and help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for safe and quality education for every child.
