Climate Change and Critical Infrastructure in Balochistan: Assessing Vulnerabilities and Policy Preparedness

Abstract

The vulnerability of critical infrastructure and essential services to climate change is increasing worldwide, particularly in areas facing multiple threats, and a lack of resources and institutional capacity. In Balochistan, the province is subject to recurrent droughts and water scarcity, as well as a range of hazards including floods, intense precipitation, temperature extremes, and coastal hazards.    This research examines the vulnerability of major critical infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks in Balochistan and analyzes the existing policy and institutional frameworks for managing these vulnerabilities. A qualitative case-study approach was adopted, using scholarly literature, policy and government documents, planning documents and institutional reports. The data were analyzed thematically across water, urban and coastal infrastructure, health, energy, communications, and transport systems with attention to institutional responsibilities and policy responses. The findings reveal that Balochistan’s multi-hazard environment leave a critical infrastructure vulnerable with vulnerability varying geographically and being intensified by existing infrastructure weaknesses, limited resources and limited institutional capacity. The water infrastructure is identified as extremely vulnerable from drought, water depletion and water scarcity  while urban and coastal infrastructures is particularly exposed to flooding and extreme rainfall. The findings also highlight the interconnectedness of infrastructure systems whereby disruption in one sector can affect the continuity of essential services in others.  Although climate and disaster risks are increasingly recognized in policy and planning, a persistent gap remains between policy formulation and implementation on the ground.  The findings highlight the need for stronger institutional coordination, financing, implementation capacity, monitoring and climate resilient infrastructure in Balochistan.