Urban planning
Urban planners and designers are currently faced with a series of immense challenges. On the one hand, the world is experiencing a surge in population growth and its subsequent concentration…
The climate cost of urban misplanning
“The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. Whatever he does to the web of life, he does to himself." – Chief Seattle (Native American leader).…
Our peri-urban crisis
While Pakistan's metropolitan hubs are expanding rapidly and rural areas still get targeted development support, peri-urban areas – those transitional zones between city and countryside – are becoming increasingly vital…
Urban reforms
OLD and new challenges continue to haunt Karachi’s residents. Since the beginning of this year, a large number of people have died in road accidents. Families blame different cadres across…
Planning for power
Integrated economic planning for Pakistan’s power sector requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by the sector today. At its core, this planning should aim to synchronise…
Urban flooding
TAKING precautionary steps to minimise the damage wreaked on life and property seems high on the agenda of the various tiers of government in Karachi. The chief minister has held…
Unplanned urban growth
Islamabad, once hailed as a model of urban planning, is now struggling under the weight of its expansion. What was envisioned as a serene, green, and orderly capital has succumbed…
Urban healthcare
OVER 55 per cent of the world population lives in cities. With fast-growing urbanisation, this figure is set to rise to 68pc by 2050. Pakistan is one of the most…
Redefining urban spaces
When Yaqub was ten years old, he shared a two-room house with his family of six. With limited space at home, much of his time was spent on the streets.…
Dangers of urban flooding
Pakistan is among the most affected countries by climate change. The irony of the situation is that while the industrialised world reaps the benefits of industrialisation we pick up the…
