CARE International’s history in Pakistan
CARE began working in Pakistan in 1949, responding to humanitarian needs in the years following independence. This early work focused on supporting communities affected by poverty and limited access to basic services.
After a period of closure, CARE re-established its operations in 2005 and has since expanded its work across the country, including both urban and remote areas to support communities facing poverty, crisis, and systemic marginalisation.
Today, CARE works with communities facing poverty, crisis, and climate-related challenges. Our work focuses on supporting women, girls, and marginalized groups, combining humanitarian assistance with longer-term programs that help families strengthen their livelihoods and better cope with economic and environmental shocks.
CARE and partners’ work in Pakistan today
CARE works with communities and local partners to respond to urgent needs while supporting longer-term recovery and resilience. Our work focuses on:
Crisis response
CARE provides life-saving humanitarian assistance to climate-vulnerable communities. This includes supporting communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises, including those driven by climate change, which continue to have significant impacts across the country.
Making the economy work
We support women and vulnerable households to strengthen livelihoods through skills training, small business support, and access to financial services. Programs help families build income and reduce reliance on negative coping strategies.
Climate
CARE works with communities to strengthen resilience to climate-related shocks, including floods, drought and extreme weather, through sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.
CARE works closely with local organizations, community groups, and relevant authorities to ensure programs are responsive to community needs and priorities.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE Pakistan’s work.
CARE supports women’s economic, social, and community participation by strengthening skills, access to opportunities, and support systems in complex and challenging contexts.
Programs such as STRIVE Women and Home Chef support women’s financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and digital skills development, while Aawaz II strengthens community engagement and supports the protection of women’s and girls’ rights through local organizations. BRAVE also supports women’s participation in community life and expands access to skills and knowledge that strengthen household resilience, particularly in climate-affected areas.
CARE also works with partners to address issues such as child labour, early and forced marriage, and barriers to accessing services. Programs promote disability inclusion and support women and girls to participate in community activities and decision-making.
CARE also supports women and girls to:
- Access health services and information
- Strengthen livelihoods and economic opportunities
- Improve food security and household wellbeing
- Participate in community networks where possible
By supporting women’s access to opportunities and services, CARE helps strengthen resilience for families and communities across Pakistan.
For more information on CARE Pakistan, see here.
