Inclusive and integrated social protection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is redefining how people are protected from poverty and crisis. The new Social Protection Strategy brings fragmented programmes into one inclusive system that leaves no one behind.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), several welfare programmes have long provided essential support to people in need. However, these initiatives often operated independently, making it difficult to reach every vulnerable group. Recognising the importance of a coordinated and efficient safety net, the Government of KP is now working to align its various welfare and assistance programmes. This effort aims to ensure that social protection reaches all those in need and strengthens long-term resilience across the province.
Putting the Social Protection Policy into Action
With support from the German development cooperation, KP developed its first Social Protection Strategy 2025–2030. This Strategy provides a roadmap that translates the Social Protection Policy 2022 into action. It integrates more than 50 welfare and assistance programmes under one coordinated system to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.
“For the first time, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has identified a system that brings together many efforts into one strong framework.” Kamran Khan, Additional Secretary and Project Director.
This unified approach links social protection with disaster risk management, gender equality, and livelihood promotion. It envisions the establishment of a Social Protection Authority to oversee coordination, data management, and service delivery. Using tools like a unified socio-economic registry and digital payment systems, the authority will enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
How It Benefits People
The new framework is designed to ensure that no one is left behind. By using data to identify vulnerable groups and reduce duplication, the system aims to make government support faster, fairer, and more effective. Families in poverty, workers facing job loss, elderly citizens, and persons with disabilities will have better access to timely and predictable assistance.
The approach also promotes gender equality by addressing the specific needs of women and girls, who are often most affected by poverty and climate shocks. As the strategy connects welfare with employment, health, and education, it builds a pathway from protection to opportunity.
The strategy is developed at the policy level, but its ultimate value lies in how it will improve people’s everyday lives.
“The social protection strategy is not just a policy document; it is a roadmap to transform lives. Its true impact will be measured by how effectively it reaches those who need it most." Special Secretary Muhammad Nadir Khan Rana.
By unifying data, institutions, and programmes, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is laying the foundation for a province where every citizen can live with dignity, resilience, and opportunity, a system that turns protection into empowerment and vision into reality.
“This strategy is not only about reducing poverty but about building human capital and resilience. It recognises that protection and empowerment must go hand in hand.” Professor Dr Zafar Zaheer, IM Sciences Peshawar