Development of National Strategy on Anticipatory Action (AA) for Pakistan

Development of National Strategy on Anticipatory Action (AA) for Pakistan

Team Members: Dr Shafqat Munir, Dr. Sajid Amin, Muhammad Awais Umar, Ali Rehmat and Ramsha Mehboob Khan

Team Lead: Dr Shafqat Munir 

Duration: July 2025 – April 2026

Donor: World Food Program (WFP)

The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in collaboration with World Food Program (WFP) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is developing Pakistan’s National Strategy on Anticipatory Action (AA), to integrate Anticipatory Action within the broader Disaster Risk Management (DRM) framework. The strategy outlines how Pakistan can proactively respond to disasters before they occur, based on early warning systems, preparedness, pre-agreed financing, and Coordination, Governance, and Collaboration.

Objective of the Assignment  

The primary objective of this assignment is to develop a “National Strategy on Anticipatory Action (AA) and its implementation framework thoroughly aligned with national DRR policy and strategy that provides a clear, actionable framework for integrating anticipatory actions into Pakistan’s disaster risk management (DRM).” 

The key tasks to achieve this objective include: 

• Assess and conduct mapping of the current disaster risk management system, its policies and strategies, identify gaps, and propose mechanisms for integrating AA. 
• Develop a comprehensive strategy document that defines AA, its principles, building blocks and how it will be implemented at the national, provincial, and local levels. 
• Provide a roadmap pillar for integration of this document into relevant policy/framework/strategy, including institutional structures, stakeholder roles and financial mechanisms -A step-by-step guide for integration of anticipatory action strategy into existing mechanism, including timelines, resource allocation, and milestones to ensure effective implementation at the national and local levels. 
• Recommendations for any necessary policy or legal reforms needed to support the implementation of anticipatory actions, identify the process of institutionalization, and the role of key stakeholders, including government ministries and departments working on DRM and social protection.

Major Deliverables:

• Comprehensive Stocktaking and Assessment Report on DRM, AA, early warning systems, and disaster risk financing in Pakistan
• Detailed Stakeholder Mapping and analysis of roles, mandates, and coordination mechanisms
• Gap Analysis Report identifying policy, legal, operational, and financing constraints for AA
• Seven Stakeholder Consultation Workshops (Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jamu & Kashmir)
• National AA Operational (Hazard) Framework with harmonized triggers and thresholds for key hazards
• 5W Matrix and Governance Model outlining stakeholder roles, actions, timelines, and geographic focus
• National Anticipatory Action Strategy with an implementation and monitoring framework
• Implementation Roadmap detailing timelines, responsibilities, and budget considerations
• Training Module and Practitioner Guide on Anticipatory Action for national, provincial, and district-level stakeholders
• Final Launch Presentation and Knowledge Products for dissemination and institutional uptake