PEC Launches Structural Health Assessment System for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure in Pakistan

Islamabad: The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), in collaboration with KnK Japan–Pakistan, the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), and GIZ Pakistan, has launched a pioneering Structural Health Assessment (SHA) system aimed at strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure in Pakistan.

The digital platform was unveiled during the Capacity Development for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (CD-CRI) event in Islamabad. It is designed to help engineers assess, monitor, and strengthen public infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and other critical facilities that are increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts and disaster risks.

Data-Driven Tool for Climate and Disaster Resilience

The SHA system enables data-driven decision-making, allowing engineers and policymakers to identify structural vulnerabilities and prioritize interventions. By improving resilience against floods, earthquakes, heatwaves, and other climate-induced hazards, the platform aims to transform risk-prone structures into safe and resilient public assets.

PEC officials said the initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable infrastructure development and enhanced disaster preparedness across Pakistan.

MoU Signed for Nationwide Adoption

To ensure long-term sustainability and nationwide implementation, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between PEC, NDRMF, and KnK Japan–Pakistan.

Speaking at the event, Chairman PEC Engr. Waseem Nazir emphasized the broader significance of the initiative, stating:

“Resilience is not merely a project outcome; it is a national commitment. Through this initiative, PEC is equipping engineers with modern tools to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and communities against escalating climate and disaster risks.”

International and Institutional Support

PEC acknowledged the continued support of NDRMF and GIZ Pakistan and appreciated the leadership of Bilal Anwar (CEO NDRMF), Dr. Nicolai Dellmann (GIZ), Alex Forbes (UNRCO), and Dr. Qaisar Ali and Associates for advancing climate-resilient engineering practices in Pakistan.

German-Funded Climate Resilience Initiative

The CD-CRI project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by GIZ GmbH, highlighting strong international cooperation in addressing Pakistan’s growing climate and disaster risks.

Experts believe the SHA system will play a crucial role in mainstreaming climate resilience within Pakistan’s infrastructure planning and engineering standards, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.