Relief and rehabilitation activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are traced back to the introduction of West Pakistan Natural Calamities (Prevention and Relief) Act 1958. The Act provides for taking measures to maintain and restore order in areas affected by certain calamities; prevent, check or control the calamity and reduce the extent or severity thereof or provide immediate relief to the victim of calamities. In order to handle emergencies due to calamities the Act authorized the Government to appoint Provincial Relief Commissioner with such powers and functions as are necessary for maintenance or order and carrying out the relief and restoration activities

Historically, Board of Revenue had been undertaking the relief activities till recent past. After devastating earthquake 2005, Provincial Relief Commissionerate was established which also operated under Board of Revenue from 2006 till 30th June, 2010.

After the devastation of October 2005 earthquake, need was felt for putting in place strong institutional mechanism for effective response to disasters as well as for disasters mapping, awareness, preparedness, planning, relief, restoration and rehabilitation. Therefore, National Disaster Management Ordinance 2006 was promulgated paving the way for establishment of National, Provincial and District Disaster Management Authorities.

National Disaster Management Ordinance 2006 was transformed into an Act in 2010 and given effect from 17 August, 2007.

The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa established Provincial Disaster Management Commission (PDMC) as well as Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on 27 October 2008 under the National Disaster Management Ordinance 2007 to cater to whole spectrum of policy and coordination for Disaster Management. Provincial Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Authority (PaRRSA) has also been created under the PDMA to plan and coordinate the overall reconstruction, rehabilitation and settlement efforts and provide ease, facilitation, speed and one window facilitation to donors.

Separate Relief, Rehabilitation & Settlement Department (RR&SD) had been in existence since 2002. However, in order to make it face emerging challenges in handling of disaster management and also to provide policy linkage to PDMA at strategic level, it was revitalized and its revised functions were drawn up and reflected in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rules of Business 1985. PDMA was declared as its attached authority.