Natural Disasters and Built Environment: Reconstruction and Rehabilitation after the Earthquake (2005) in Balakot, Pakistan

After the earthquake and the loss of life and property, the reconstruction and rehabilitation process was challenging. It was also hotly debated and involved controversies. Large amounts of funds were used to help the victims of the earthquake. Some of these funds were made available immediately. Some funds were promised as pledges to be paid over time and were for the reconstruction, rebuilding, and rehabilitation of the people. On the other hand, the government, just as the area's people, found itself completely untrained and unprepared for a calamity of this size. The turning point in rebuilding and rehabilitation came in 2021 with a new plan from the government. While the project of New Balakot City remained intact, the new plan changed the nature and direction of the project by proposing the city be made a tourist destination. In the long run, the process of rebuilding and reconstruction failed.