Pakistan has finalized a revised framework for its National Flood Protection Project, with the estimated cost increasing to nearly Rs800 billion as the government prepares to seek approval from the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

Under the proposed financing arrangement, the federal government and provinces will each contribute Rs400 billion, while authorities are also considering external financing options for implementation.

The updated plan focuses on improving flood forecasting, early warning systems and disaster response capacity. It includes the installation of flood monitoring systems, telemetry networks on canals and major bridges, watershed management measures and flood hazard mapping.

Officials estimate that the project could help protect around 15 million people from flood risks, while safeguarding nearly 9 million acres of agricultural land, 2.35 million houses, schools, villages and road networks.

The initiative also includes measures aimed at protecting thousands of farmers and reducing damage to rural communities affected by recurring floods.

The revised cost is significantly higher than the Rs350 billion framework approved in 2017, with officials citing an expanded scope, updated requirements and the addition of modern flood management technologies as reasons behind the increase.