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Tatler Asia
4 days ago
- General
- Tatler Asia
How to build an apocalypse-ready home: 5 essential design strategies for disaster resilience
Above Jackson, Wyoming in 'The Last of Us' is a self-sufficient commune years in the making, and resilient of disasters (Photo: HBO Max) Even more immediate is the climate catastrophe already happening and accelerating. With 2023 and 2024 recorded as the hottest years globally, Earth has crossed the 1.5 degree celsius warming threshold earlier than expected, with projections suggesting 2 degree celsius warming by century's end remains likely if current emission trends continue. Don't miss: Why is it important to build homes that withstand climate change? As climate stress intensifies, the risk of civil unrest is expected to rise in the most affected regions with economic inequality, political instability, resource scarcity, and social grievances serve as catalysts for such disruption. Recent years have witnessed increased protests and unrest globally, linked to economic pressures and environmental crises. While context-dependent, civil unrest represents a plausible consequence of worsening global crises. If you're prepared for a zombie plague, you're prepared for most natural disasters. - Max Brooks, author of 'The Zombie Survival Guide' and 'World War Z' - Though we cannot predict how, when, or if an apocalypse might occur, we can certainly prepare to withstand extreme, long-term disruptions to modern infrastructure–whether from natural disasters, war, societal collapse, or other worst-case scenarios. Read more: World Humanitarian Day: These inspiring organisations address the needs of vulnerable Asian communities Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is the foundation for self-sufficient living that incorporates technologies and design principles to guard against uncertain futures–one that many industries have already implemented, offering parallels we can draw upon. Through prudent planning, we can start laying the groundwork for modern apocalypse-ready homes that withstand an increasingly unpredictable world. Location strategy Above High-density cities may offer superior access to supplies but pose significant risks (Photo: Unsplash) Above Major urban centres experienced rapid virus transmission and supply shortages (Photo: Unsplash) While high-density cities offer superior access to supplies, they pose significant risks. This became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when major urban centres experienced rapid virus transmission and supply shortages due to population density, whilst rural and highland areas suffered fewer cases and less disruption. See also: Cover Story: Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman weighs in on drug policy reform, higher education and overcoming challenges The World Bank notes that 'urban areas offer greater access to healthcare, supplies, and infrastructure, but higher population density increases vulnerability to contagion, social unrest, and supply chain disruptions.' According to the organisation, urban population expected to exceed 6.8 billion by 2050, these vulnerabilities will only intensify. Conversely, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) observes that 'rural and highland areas offer lower population density, greater food security through agriculture, and easier perimeter control, making them more resilient to crises.' Above A waterfront home built on stilts in Jakarta, Indonesia by K-Thengono Design Studio (Photo: Mario Wibowo) Location choice extends beyond urban versus rural considerations to encompass terrain and elevation factors. Selecting land above floodplain elevation and away from coastal areas proves vital for reducing flood and storm surge risks. This principle becomes especially critical as climate change increases extreme weather frequency. Don't miss: Home tour: A waterfront home in Jakarta built on stilts to mitigate land sinking Properties on or near unstable slopes present particular hazards, with landslide risks intensifying during monsoon seasons. However, traditional Southeast Asian architecture offers proven solutions for flood-prone zones. Raising homes on stilts or elevated platforms–as embodied in vernacular architecture across Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines–provides effective protection against seasonal floods and storm surges, representing centuries of refined wisdom in tropical resilience design. Resilient architecture Above The bahay kubo in the Philippines flourishes in tropical, often isolated environments () Drawing from both time-tested wisdom and contemporary innovation, the shift towards sustainably built homes represents a promising trajectory for structures designed to thrive amid climate change. Southeast Asian vernacular architecture provides invaluable insights for resilient, sustainable construction. Read more: How architect Andra Matin's unconventional designs are reshaping Indonesia's built environment Traditional homes such as the bahay kubo in the Philippines and rumah adat in Indonesia have evolved over centuries to flourish in tropical, often isolated environments. These structures incorporate flood resilience through elevated stilts and natural ventilation whilst utilising locally sourced materials–principles that remain remarkably relevant today. Above Brick is robust and low-maintenance, suitable for tropical climates (Photo: Lin Ho) Above Exposed concrete walls at Vista House by Hier Architects (Photo: Fabian Ong) Meanwhile, Tropical Brutalism–a fusion of raw concrete and tropical design principles–is gaining recognition for its durability and climate responsiveness. This approach features the exposed concrete, brick, and steel characteristic of traditional Brutalist structures, but adapts these robust, low-maintenance materials specifically for tropical climates prone to humidity, storms, and heat. See also: 7 stunning Brutalist homes redefining Southeast Asian architecture Concrete's thermal mass regulates indoor temperatures by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, whilst simultaneously providing structural durability against natural disasters and security threats. Both concrete and brick offer the dual benefits of wide availability and weather resistance–crucial considerations for long-term resilience. Above IDCandy's project features vent blocks to facilitate airflow and provide privacy (Photo: The Space Storyteller) Above An open, light-filled home by Tangu Architecture allow cross-ventilation (Photo: Tang Hsiao Seak and Steven Ngu) Above A home designed by Futurground with generous overhangs (Photo: Ameen Deen) Above Distinctive brise-soleil louvres at Kemaris House by DRTAN LM Architect (Photo: Lin Ho) Furthermore, effective tropical design prioritises natural climate control through cross-ventilation, which reduces indoor temperatures naturally and minimises air conditioning requirements. Architectural elements such as overhangs and louvres provide essential shade whilst promoting airflow, creating comfortable interior environments without energy-intensive cooling systems. Don't miss: 15 best green homes in Malaysia Additionally, reinforcing windows and doors with steel bars or rebar mesh protects against both break-ins and debris impact during extreme weather events. In typhoon-prone regions, storm shutters serve as essential protection, shielding windows from flying debris whilst reducing structural damage. Self-sufficient energy and water Above When electricity grids fail, they trigger cascading failures across other critical infrastructure (Photo: Pexels) Power and water supplies rank among the first essential services to fail during large-scale disasters or infrastructure collapse. In crisis scenarios–whether triggered by natural disasters, civil unrest, or infrastructure failure–electricity grids prove highly vulnerable, and, when they fail, trigger cascading failures across other critical infrastructure. Read more: The future of architecture: 5 sustainable buildings changing the skyline Water supply systems, critically dependent on electricity for pumping, treatment, and distribution, typically cease functioning within hours or days. Water pressure drops, pumps fail, and treatment facilities can no longer purify or deliver water, creating profound impacts on health, sanitation, and survival. Above Solar panels provide reliable, renewable energy (Photo: Unsplash) Above Manual hand pumps provide access to water sources (Photo: Pexels) The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) recommends that 'a robust off-grid solar setup with lithium-ion battery banks, such as the Tesla Powerwall, provides reliable, renewable energy whilst reducing dependence on unstable grids.' Furthermore, solar systems prove particularly viable in Southeast Asia's sun-rich environment, offering year-round energy generation potential. See also: Hypermarket chain TF Value Mart partners Plus Xnergy as part of its carbon-neutral strategy Layered backup systems should be in place as well. Diesel or propane dual-fuel generators provide secondary power sources, whilst manual hand-crank or pedal generators serve as tertiary options for essential devices during extended outages. For rural properties, the FAO advocates biogas systems as sustainable energy solutions. Kitchen waste or animal manure can generate cooking fuel, reducing reliance on external supply chains whilst managing organic waste effectively. Photo 1 of 2 Collection tanks combined with UV filters or ceramic drip filters ensure reliable potable water supplies (Photo: Pexels) Photo 2 of 2 Properties with access to groundwater benefit from additional security measures (Photo: Pexels) Rainwater harvesting represents a particularly suitable water strategy for tropical climates with abundant precipitation. Modular collection tanks combined with UV filters or ceramic drip filters ensure reliable potable water supplies independent of municipal systems. Don't miss: Home tour: A tropical courtyard bungalow designed to be a family oasis in Malaysia Also, properties with access to groundwater benefit from additional security measures, offering enhanced reliability during extended infrastructure disruptions. Deep wells equipped with manual hand pumps, properly secured from contamination, provide redundant water sources when integrated with rainwater harvesting systems. Food independence Above Supermarket shelves can empty within hours to days after a major disruption (Photo: Unsplash) In cities, supermarket shelves can empty within hours to days after a major disruption due to panic buying, supply chain breakdowns, or infrastructure collapse. Most households maintain only a few days' to a week's worth of food on hand, and in the absence of resupply, many families will face shortages within the first week. Read more: Climate change is threatening Malaysia's food security—here's how we can mitigate it Above Canned goods form the backbone of emergency food storage (Photo: Pexels) Above Sacks of grains are also a popular go-to for emergency food storage (Photo: Pexels) Freeze-dried meals, grains, and canned goods form the backbone of emergency food storage. For these supplies, spare rooms or basements can be converted into dry pantries with efficient use of vertical space, modular shelving, and proper labeling to improve accessibility and inventory management. See also: 10 iconic home brands that became household names Other options include cold storage rooms equipped with insulation, temperature control, and humidity management; while traditional root cellars or underground pantries provide natural temperature regulation and humidity control, extending the shelf life of vegetables and perishables without electricity. Above Spare rooms can be converted into dry pantries with efficient use of vertical space and modular shelving (Photo: Pexels) Above Cold storage rooms equipped with insulation, temperature control, and humidity management (Photo: Pexels) However, experts estimate that most people would find it nearly impossible to stockpile enough food for more than a few months. In case of long-term crises, storing years' worth of food for a family of four would require significant space and cost, making it impractical for most households. While meticulous food rationing can extend supplies, innovative food production becomes essential for long-term survival if agriculture is disrupted for years. Don't miss: Qarbotech co-founder Chor Chee Hoe is on a mission to revolutionise agriculture and face down world hunger Above Hydroponics maximises space usage while supplementing food production (Photo: Pexels) Above Stamba Hotel in Georgia houses the country's first vertical farm, Space Farm (Photo: Design Hotels) Vertical gardening using soilless cultivation methods like aeroponics or hydroponics maximises space usage. These techniques are increasingly adopted in urban or flood-prone areas with limited land to supplement food production. 'Small rooftop gardens or greenhouses provide year-round fresh produce, [particularly herbs and leafy greens,] improving food security and microclimate cooling,' notes the FAO. Read more: 5 design and sustainably-led hotels around the world ScienceDirect experts add that aquaponics–with low-maintenance protein sources like tilapia or catfish–creates a symbiotic system when combined with soilless plant cultivation; maximising water and nutrient efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Above Potatoes are perennial crops excellent for sustainable food security (Photo: Unsplash) Above Bananas are fast-growing, nutrient-dense, and well-suited to tropical climates (Photo: Pexels) For homes with more extensive acreage, the FAO suggests planting perennial crops like bananas, moringa, cassava, sweet potato, taro, and lemongrass. 'They are fast-growing, nutrient-dense, and well-suited to tropical climates, making them excellent choices for sustainable food security,' the specialised United Nations agency explains. See also: These farmers grow your food, but can't afford to eat—this social enterprise is changing that Home security and safety Above Tall hedges provide privacy for SLS Properties Inc's Villa La Maida project in Los Angeles (Photo: Todd Goodman / LA Light) Natural fencing is usually constructed around a property's perimeter to maintain privacy while offering a lush view from inside homes. This landscaping approach also provides stealth security that blends with the landscape and building design, enhancing resilience and reducing risk compared to overtly fortified structures that attract unwanted attention. 'Using dense, thorny plants such as bougainvillea or bamboo alongside fencing creates a natural, low-maintenance barrier that discourages intrusion without drawing attention,' according to experts from Landscape Architecture Magazine . Don't miss: Home tour: A Mediterranean-inspired home that brings a piece of Tuscany to Los Angeles Above Solar-powered surveillance cameras provide sustainable, low-maintenance perimeter security (Photo: Pexels) Above Geese make excellent natural alert systems due to their keen senses and territorial behaviour (Photo: Pexels) Additionally, modern residential security design can be integrated to buff up the home's security. Solar-powered motion sensor lights and surveillance cameras provide sustainable, low-maintenance perimeter security, triggering real-time alerts and deterring intruders effectively. Read more: Kamarul Muhamed of Aerodyne on his journey with drone technology In fact, low-tech tripwire alarms such as bells or cans can be equally effective in providing simple but reliable perimeter alerts in rural or low-power settings; while dogs and geese, according to the Journal of Animal Behavior , serve as excellent natural alert systems, functioning as noisy sentinels due to their keen senses and territorial behaviour. Above Frightened Jackson citizens hiding in basement shelters in 'The Last of Us' (Photo: HBO Max) Finally, when intrusions, severe weather, or other emergencies occur, fortified spaces stocked with essentials allow homeowners to shelter safely until the threat passes. 'Safe rooms should be located away from windows and accessible from multiple points,' advises Architecture Lab . 'Typical sizes range around ten by ten feet with eight to nine-foot ceiling heights for optimal comfort and functionality.' See also: Home tour: A colour coordinated holiday home in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts Design criteria for safe rooms–including panic rooms, crawlspaces, basement shelters, and bunkers–established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) require reinforced concrete walls with steel rebar or prestressed panels, and impact-resistant doors must meet ICC 500 standards for tornado and hurricane resistance. Secure ventilation systems should be integrated to prevent debris and water ingress, with emergency power, typically provided by generators or battery units, maintaining lighting and ventilation during outages. Above Safe rooms should be stocked with communication devices, including battery-operated radios and satellite phones (Photo: Pexels)
Kuwait Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
The environmental destruction of Gaza
Samia Alduaij The past 19 months have unfolded as one of the most brutal acts of environmental and human destruction in modern history, and nowhere is this more apparent than in Gaza. The sheer scale of devastation in this besieged enclave transcends immediate humanitarian catastrophe — it is ecological warfare, or ecocide, by design. From the systematic targeting of infrastructure to the widespread contamination of soil and water, Gaza has been transformed into a wasteland, where nature and life are equally under siege. Having worked in international development and environmental assessments across the region, I've seen firsthand how conflict distorts ecosystems. My work with The World Bank in Lebanon following the 2006 oil spill was a sobering experience — an oil slick contaminating 150 km of Mediterranean coastline due to Israeli airstrikes. But Gaza is a different scale altogether: Not just an oil spill, but a complete unraveling of human and environmental systems. As of January, more than 80 percent of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed. All six wastewater treatment plants have been bombed, and over 1,025 miles of water pipes reduced to rubble. Every day, over 100,000 cubic meters of raw sewage flow into the Mediterranean, devastating marine life and threatening coastal nations. Before the war, 97 percent of Gaza's water was already unfit for human consumption. Now, communities have access to only 7 percent of their pre-war water supply. Israel's bombardments have destroyed desalination plants, water wells and distribution networks, and the March blockade further strangled access to essential water services. The environmental implications are profound — salinization, groundwater depletion and diseases spreading through contaminated water. The carbon cost of this war is staggering. The emissions generated by Israeli military operations in Gaza have already surpassed the annual carbon footprint of 230 climate-vulnerable nations. And yet, Israel brands itself as a green, vegan-friendly, tech-savvy utopia — a grotesque example of environmental hypocrisy. Israel has managed to successfully greenwash its image, even as it siphoned off Gaza's groundwater for kibbutzes situated just across the border — some of the same kibbutzes that were attacked on October 7. These communities, ironically marketed as models of sustainable agriculture, irrigate their lawns and farms with stolen water. This is water apartheid in its most brazen form. Israelis consume an average of 300 liters per day; in Gaza, it was just 26 liters per day before the war. Now, it is far less. Gaza's aquifers are systematically overdrawn, contaminated and inaccessible to its own population. Agricultural collapse is another front of this ecocide. More than 83 percent of plant cover and 48 percent of tree cover have been obliterated. An estimated 75 percent of Gaza's 1.3 million olive trees have been destroyed. These are not just trees — they are anchors of food security, economic livelihood and cultural heritage. Over 7,500 greenhouses and 2,000 agricultural sites have been decimated. This is an intentional erasure of Gaza's food sovereignty. Toxic weapons, including white phosphorus, have further poisoned the soil. The Strip is buried under millions of tons of rubble containing asbestos, heavy metals and radioactive particles. These will continue leaching into the air and water for generations. The long-term health effects are already being felt. There are documented cases of polio resurgence and children born with severe deformities, including one without a brain. This is not collateral damage. This is deliberate biological and environmental warfare. Even before the war, Gaza's environment was suffocating under the strain of blockade, overpopulation, and occupation. But the current destruction has pushed it into the realm of total collapse. This is not just a humanitarian crisis — it is an ecological one that threatens regional stability. Ecocide must be recognized as a crime under international law. Gaza offers a textbook example of why. When the environment is weaponized, it becomes not just a casualty of war, but a stage for annihilation. The world must acknowledge this environmental warfare — not as an unfortunate side effect of conflict, but as a core strategy of occupation and control. Gaza is not just dying — it is being systematically erased, root by root, aquifer by aquifer. This is a war not just on people, but on the land. NOTE: Samia Alduaij is an environmental specialist who has worked for the UN and the World Bank. She is one of the founders of Sustainable Living Kuwait, a local initiative that promotes sustainable living solutions. [email protected]
Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
War in Kashmir will explode onto Britain's streets
Thanks to decades of mass migration, spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan could lead to serious outbreaks of civil disorder on our streets. While we may be thousands of miles away, the UK has a vested security interest in ensuring that the current face-off does not escalate into a full-blown conflict. Such is the reality of modern Britain. The April 22 massacre, in which gunmen slaughtered at least 26 civilians in the forest-covered valley of Pahalgam, was the deadliest terror attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 2000. Responsibility has reportedly been claimed by a rebel militant group called The Resistance Front, which is said to be an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a jihadist organisation that desires full Pakistani control of Kashmir. While Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack, India has shut the main border crossing, expelled its military diplomats and suspended the landmark Indus Water Treaty (a water distribution agreement between the two countries arranged by The World Bank). Pakistan has in turn threatened India with war. This is bad news for Leicester, which experienced weeks of rioting between its Indian and Pakistani communities in 2022 over a cricket match between their respective home countries. The city's already-shaky reputation as a positive example of multiculturalism was blown to smithereens as subcontinental-style communalism spilt onto the streets. Progressives were faced with an uncomfortable wake-up call when footage of Hindu and Muslim youth gangs brawling across the Belgrave suburb exploded onto social media. Leicester was already home to large migrant-descended communities when it was hit by the ' Boriswave ', the unprecedented cascade of migration that followed the former prime minister's changes to the visa system after Brexit. For the year ending June 2023, total immigration to the UK was an astonishing 1.32 million. 1.1 million of these were from outside the EU, with 308,000 coming from either India or Pakistan. Nigeria, which has its fair share of problems with ethnic and religious conflict, was also a common country of origin for new arrivals. The rise of ethnic and religious identity politics – accelerated by the post-Brexit immigration system – means that the King's peace is increasingly threatened by conflicts in far-off lands. This is exacerbated by the fact that the UK is a soft touch on Islamist extremism, even when compared to much of the Muslim world. Britain also now increasingly has to contend with the threat of Hindu-nationalist ideology. The last general election saw overt sectarian politics with The Muslim Vote (TMV) campaign, as well as the production of a 'Hindu Manifesto' that called for the proscription of those 'attacking the sovereignty and integrity of India'. While we should be cautious over civil-war-is-coming alarmism, we must guard against diversity-is-our-strength complacency and not allow the normalisation of ethnic-religious tribalism in British life. The Government must use all diplomatic channels at its disposal to ensure that growing India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir do not spiral into an all-out war. Otherwise, it may well find itself having to respond to serious forms of communal disorder in its own cities and towns.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
War in Kashmir will explode onto Britain's streets
Thanks to decades of mass migration, spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan could lead to serious outbreaks of civil disorder on our streets. While we may be thousands of miles away, the UK has a vested security interest in ensuring that the current face-off does not escalate into a full-blown conflict. Such is the reality of modern Britain. The April 22 massacre, in which gunmen slaughtered at least 26 civilians in the forest-covered valley of Pahalgam, was the deadliest terror attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 2000. Responsibility has reportedly been claimed by a rebel militant group called The Resistance Front, which is said to be an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a jihadist organisation that desires full Pakistani control of Kashmir. While Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack, India has shut the main border crossing, expelled its military diplomats and suspended the landmark Indus Water Treaty (a water distribution agreement between the two countries arranged by The World Bank). Pakistan has in turn threatened India with war. This is bad news for Leicester, which experienced weeks of rioting between its Indian and Pakistani communities in 2022 over a cricket match between their respective home countries. The city's already-shaky reputation as a positive example of multiculturalism was blown to smithereens as subcontinental-style communalism spilt onto the streets. Progressives were faced with an uncomfortable wake-up call when footage of Hindu and Muslim youth gangs brawling across the Belgrave suburb exploded onto social media. Leicester was already home to large migrant-descended communities when it was hit by the 'Boriswave', the unprecedented cascade of migration that followed the former prime minister's changes to the visa system after Brexit. For the year ending June 2023, total immigration to the UK was an astonishing 1.32 million. 1.1 million of these were from outside the EU, with 308,000 coming from either India or Pakistan. Nigeria, which has its fair share of problems with ethnic and religious conflict, was also a common country of origin for new arrivals. The rise of ethnic and religious identity politics – accelerated by the post-Brexit immigration system – means that the King's peace is increasingly threatened by conflicts in far-off is exacerbated by the fact that the UK is a soft touch on Islamist extremism, even when compared to much of the Muslim world. Britain also now increasingly has to contend with the threat of Hindu-nationalist ideology. The last general election saw overt sectarian politics with The Muslim Vote (TMV) campaign, as well as the production of a 'Hindu Manifesto' that called for the proscription of those 'attacking the sovereignty and integrity of India'. While we should be cautious over civil-war-is-coming alarmism, we must guard against diversity-is-our-strength complacency and not allow the normalisation of ethnic-religious tribalism in British life. The Government must use all diplomatic channels at its disposal to ensure that growing India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir do not spiral into an all-out war. Otherwise, it may well find itself having to respond to serious forms of communal disorder in its own cities and towns. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Pakistan stock markets crash: India's actions, IMF report, and a persistent problem
The Pakistan stock market plunged by around 2,000 points on Thursday (April 24), after India acted against the neighbouring country following the Pahalgam terror attack. According to the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, 'The benchmark KSE-100 index declined by 1,086.51, or 0.93 per cent, to stand at 116,139.63 from the previous close at 11:13am. At 2:56pm, the index plunged 2,116.92, or 1.81pc, to stand at 115,109.22.' This was the second jolt for Pakistan's markets in the last few days. Before this, on April 22, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut the growth forecast for Pakistan to 2.6 per cent. All of this comes at a time when Pakistan's economy has been doing better by its standards after a long period of crisis, and can ill-afford further shocks. In the past three months, the IMF, the World Bank, and the credits rating agency Fitch have all commented on Pakistan. Here's a snapshot of its economy from their reports. IMF on Pakistan Pakistan's economy is heavily dependent on the loans it has secured from the IMF — key being the 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) — and thus that institution's assessment is crucial for it. The IMF report released earlier this week slashed Pakistan's growth forecast for this fiscal year to 2.6 per cent from the 3 per cent it had projected in January. This was largely due to the expected impact of US President Donald Trump 's now-paused tariffs. Trump had slapped a 29 per cent tariff on imports from Pakistan, which he then paused for 90 days. The US imported goods worth $5.1 billion in 2024 from Pakistan, mainly textiles. In the last week of March, an IMF team reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on the first review of the EFF and on a different loan under the IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Facility. 'The staff-level agreement is subject to approval of the IMF's Executive Board. Upon approval, Pakistan will have access to about US$1.0 billion (SDR 760 million) under the EFF, bringing total disbursements under the program to about US$2.0 billion,' the IMF said in a press release. Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility loan, Pakistan will get $1.3 billion over 28 months. Nathan Porter, the IMF team lead, said after the March agreement, 'Over the past 18 months, Pakistan has made significant progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and rebuilding confidence… inflation has declined to its lowest level since 2015, financial conditions have improved, sovereign spreads have narrowed significantly, and external balances are stronger.' Aming risks, he highlighted 'potential macroeconomic policy slippages—driven by pressures to ease policies—along with geopolitical shocks to commodity prices, tightening global financial conditions, or rising protectionism', along with climate-related risks. The World Bank The World Bank released its estimates on April 23. 'Pakistan's economy continues to stabilise and is expected to grow by 2.7 percent in the current fiscal year ending June 2025, up from 2.5 percent in the previous year,' the report said. It also highlighted the problems, 'Agriculture saw limited growth, in part due to adverse weather and pest infestations. Industrial activity declined, impacted by higher input costs and taxes, and reduced government spending. Similarly, growth of the services sector was muted given limited spillovers from weak agriculture and industrial activity. While expected to strengthen, economic growth will remain tepid, making job creation and poverty reduction amid high population growth challenging.' All of this does not sound like the economy is doing well. However, things now are far better than they were at the crisis point of May 2023, when inflation was at 38.50%, growth was negative, and forex could cover barely a few weeks of restricted imports. Fitch on Pakistan In February, Fitch in a report said, 'The State Bank of Pakistan's decision to cut policy rates to 12% on 27 January underscored recent progress in taming consumer price inflation, which fell to just over 2% yoy in January 2025, down from an average of nearly 24% in the fiscal year ended June 2024 (FY24).' However, it also pointed out that, 'Progress on difficult structural reforms will be key to upcoming IMF programme reviews and continued financing from other multilateral and bilateral lenders.'
