The Critical Components of an Integrated Decision Making Framework for Enhancing Post Destruction Reconstruction

Post-destruction reconstruction of the built environment is a critical process that demands a balance between immediate recovery needs and long-term sustainability. Although speed is frequently given priority over quality due to the necessity of rebuilding, the lack of integrated decision-making frameworks has led to disjointed efforts, insufficient resources, and less-than-ideal results. This systematic review investigates the critical components required to develop an integrated decision-making framework targeted for post-destruction reconstruction of the built environment. Pakistan faces frequent and severe natural disasters due to its geographic and climatic conditions, including earthquakes, floods, and droughts. Recent events such as the 2022 flood that affected over 33 million people have exposed the vulnerabilities of the country’s disaster management systems. Using a rigorous methodology, this study examined peer-reviewed literature from 2010 to 2024, focusing on challenges, strategies, and tools in reconstruction efforts. Key findings reveal the importance of three interconnected components: stakeholder collaboration, technological integration, and sustainability considerations. This review contributes to filling gaps in existing frameworks by synthesizing evidence, proposing actionable recommendations, and examining how an integrated decision-making framework can enhance Pakistan’s disaster response and reconstruction capabilities, ensuring sustainability and resilience.