Institutionalizing Disaster Governance in Pakistan: A Historical Analysis (1947–1999)

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of disaster governance in Pakistan from 1947 to 1999, focusing on the interplay among political regimes, institutional legacies, and state capacity. Utilizing a qualitative historical-institutional methodology, this study highlights the path-dependent nature of disaster management development, characterized by fragmentation, reactive policy-making, and reliance on military-led interventions. The analysis revealed that colonial administrative frameworks and political instability hindered the establishment of cohesive, coordinated disaster management institutions. Although there were incremental improvements, such as the establishment of the Federal Flood Commission, which introduced elements of planning and coordination, the absence of centralized authority and weak civilian capacity hampered effective risk reduction. The findings demonstrate that disaster governance in Pakistan was predominantly oriented towards response rather than prevention. By situating institutional development within broader political and administrative contexts, this study enhances the understanding of governance challenges in the Global South. This underscores the necessity for integrated, resilient, and adaptive disaster management frameworks.

Keywords: Disaster Governance; Pakistan; Historical Institutionalism; State Capacity; Institutional Development