Pakistan, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. The country ranks among those most affected by climate change in recent years and is highly vulnerable to its impacts due to its diverse geography and climate. Pakistan’s climate is characterized by generally low rainfall across most regions, except for the monsoon-influenced north. Climate variability is strongly influenced by the El Niño phenomenon, which contributes to large fluctuations in rainfall, temperature, and the frequency and severity of floods and droughts (Climate Change Knowledge Portal).  Rapid urbanization also poses significant challenges, including unplanned urban growth and limited access to essential services such as healthcare, water, and sanitation (UN Habitat Pakistan Country Report 2023). 
 
Pakistan ranked first in the 2022 Climate Risk Index,  highlighting its extreme vulnerability to climate-related hazards. This vulnerability is reflected in increasingly frequent and severe weather events. The devastating floods of 2022, which caused more than 30 billion USD in combined damage and losses, illustrate the scale of the threat. With floods and droughts becoming more frequent, integrating climate resilience into settlement planning and development initiatives is increasingly critical.