Peshawar (Khyber Mail): On February 27, 2025, the Maraka Humanitarian Observatory (MHO) convened a hybrid seminar titled “The Impacts of Funding Cuts on Organizations and Vulnerable Populations” at the University of Peshawar’s Department of Political Science. The event assembled experts from various sectors to address the pressing challenges resulting from reduced funding.
Professor Dorothea Hilhorst from Erasmus University discussed the repercussions of USAID funding cuts on global health and humanitarian initiatives. These reductions have led to significant job losses and disrupted critical programs in healthcare, education, and disaster response in Pakistan.
Mohammad Abbas Khan, Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, highlighted Pakistan’s four-decade commitment to hosting Afghan refugees. He emphasized the challenges arising from diminished international funding in prolonged crisis situations. Initiatives like the collaboration between the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) and UNICEF have been pivotal in supporting Afghan-hosting communities, addressing needs such as clean drinking water and health services.
Sajid Imran, Director of Rehabilitation at the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), discussed the impact of funding cuts on disaster response in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He noted that reduced funding hampers the province’s ability to effectively respond to natural and man-made disasters, especially in areas affected by militancy and geographical hazards. The PDMA’s role in coordinating humanitarian efforts is crucial in this context.
Dr. Saba Gul Khattak, Director at Crossroads Advisory and former Planning Commission member, advocated for increased reliance on local philanthropy. She also called for global responsibility in establishing funds for climate reparations, social protection, and addressing forced migration to bridge funding gaps.
Participants raised concerns about the impact of funding cuts on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to refugees and displacement. They also discussed potential reductions in UKAID, challenges in accessing refugee camps, and the prolonged nature of the Afghan refugee situation in Pakistan.
Speakers noted a global trend of donor countries redirecting aid toward defense, leaving humanitarian programs underfunded. They stressed the need for innovative and sustainable solutions to address these pressing challenges.
The seminar was attended by humanitarian activists, academicians, students, government officials, and journalists.
The event concluded with a call for collective action to mitigate the impacts of funding cuts on organizations and vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and sustainable funding solutions.