Introduction
"The Aga Khan Planning and Building Service Pakistan as affiliate of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) works to ensure that poor people live in physical settings that are as safe as possible from the effects of natural disasters; that residents who do live in high-risk areas are able to cope with disasters in terms of preparedness and response; and that these settings provide access to social and financial services that lead to greater opportunity and a better quality of life. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat was created in 2016 by bringing together several AKDN agencies and programmes that had been established to tackle issues related to improving habitats and resources. These component parts include: 1. Aga Khan Plannning and Building Services work to improve human habitats, particularly safe housing design and earthquake-resistant construction, village planning and natural hazard mitigation, water supply and sanitation, and improved indoor living conditions, mainly for rural communities. 2. Focus Humanitarian Response: Originally a separate agency, as part of AKAH it extends humanitarian relief following natural or man-made disasters. It also prepares people living in vulnerable communities to mitigate against, respond to and recover from hazards. In the recovery stage, FOCUS helps communities rebuild so they can function on their own, protect against future hazards and return to normal development activity and progress. 3. The Disaster Risk Management Initiative: Originally a separate programme, as part of AKAH it is a focal point for the coordination of the AKDN’s risk reduction activities, particularly in Central Asia – much of which is hazard-prone yet lacks basic standards of structural and non-structural safety and preparedness. 4. The Prince Sadruddin Fund for the Environment: Originally a part of the Aga Khan Foundation, as part of AKAH it works to develop sustainable natural resources through education, area development and related research that addresses existing issues in the developing world. The intention is to assist populations that are most threatened by their natural surroundings, while working to protect fragile ecosystems that are vulnerable to the effects of poorly planned human activity. "
