Request a Meeting
our blog

Category: Blog

Urban planning

Role Urban Planning in Improving the Air Quality

Air pollution is a major public health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Urban areas, with their high population density and high levels of industrial and vehicular activities, are the main contributors to air pollution. However, with better urban planning, we can reduce air pollution and make our cities healthier and more sustainable. Urban planning Urban planning refers to the process of designing, managing, and developing urban areas in a way that meets the needs of the population while promoting sustainability. It involves the use of various strategies and technologies to enhance the quality of life in urban areas while minimizing the negative impact on the environment. Promoting sustainable transportation: One of the most effective ways that urban planning can reduce air pollution is through the promotion of sustainable transportation. Sustainable transportation refers to modes of transport that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible. It includes walking, cycling, public transport, and electric vehicles. Studies have shown that cities with well-planned and accessible public transport systems have lower levels of air pollution compared to those that rely heavily on private cars. For example, a study conducted in the UK found that residents of cities with good public transport systems had 27% less carbon emissions per capita compared to those living in areas with poor public transport. Promoting Green Spaces: Urban planning can reduce air pollution through the promotion of green spaces. Green spaces refer to parks, gardens, and other natural areas within urban areas. They provide numerous benefits, including improving air quality by absorbing pollutants and reducing the urban heat island effect. Trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air, helping to improve air quality. Green spaces can also provide a range of other benefits, including reducing urban heat island effects and providing habitats for wildlife. Image Courtesy: iStock Zoning Industrial Areas: Urban planning can help to reduce industrial pollution by zoning industrial areas away from residential areas and ensuring that industrial facilities comply with strict emissions standards. By doing so, cities can protect their residents from the harmful effects of industrial pollution. Energy consumption in buildings and other structures is a major contributor to air pollution. Urban planning can help to reduce energy consumption by promoting the use of energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure. This can be achieved through building codes, zoning regulations, and other policies that encourage the use of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient design. Courtesy: Getty Images  Proper Waste Management: Improper waste management is a major contributor to air pollution, particularly in developing countries where waste is often burned in open dumps. Urban planning can help to reduce this problem by promoting better waste management practices such as waste separation, recycling, and composting. This can be achieved through the development of waste management infrastructure, public education campaigns, and other policies. Pedestrian-Friendly Urban Design: Pedestrian-friendly urban design is a key aspect of sustainable transportation and can help to reduce air pollution by promoting walking and cycling. This can be achieved through the creation of pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian-only zones. Additionally, urban planners can design cities to be more compact, reducing the need for cars and other forms of transportation. Image: Courtesy of PCA-STREAM  In conclusion, air pollution is a serious problem in many urban areas around the world, but with better urban planning, it is possible to reduce its impact. As the better urban planning can reduce air pollution and make our cities healthier and more sustainable. By promoting sustainable transportation, creating green spaces, reducing energy consumption, zoning of industrial areas away from residential areas, designing pedestrian-friendly cities and improving waste management practices can further reduce air pollution produced in urban areas. With proper planning, the planners can create cities that are not only liveable but also promote the health and well-being of their inhabitants. Author: Plnr. Nimra Ali Graduated from University of Engineering and technology in BSc. City and Regional planning and a certified member of Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners.

Read More ⟶
April 25, 2023 No Comments

Urban planning relation with sustainable development goals

Introduction: Urban planning is a key factor in achieving sustainable development goals, as cities play a critical role in sustainable development. Sustainable development goals are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 to promote sustainable development worldwide. Urban planning involves designing, developing, and managing cities and towns in a way that enhances the quality of life for residents, protects the environment, and promotes economic growth. Sustainable development goals, on the other hand, focus on achieving economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Urban Planning and Sustainable development goals: Urban planning plays a significant role in achieving sustainable development goals by ensuring the efficient use of resources, reducing environmental impact, and promoting social inclusion. The following are the key areas where urban planning can contribute to the SDGs: Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) Urban planning can promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, by ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are designed to accommodate these technologies. It can also reduce energy consumption by promoting energy-efficient buildings and transport systems. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) Urban planning is crucial in creating sustainable cities and communities that are resilient to environmental, social, and economic changes. It involves designing compact, mixed-use neighborhoods with access to public transportation, green spaces, and community facilities. Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) Urban planning can promote responsible consumption and production by encouraging sustainable practices, such as recycling and waste reduction. It can also encourage sustainable urban agriculture and local food systems, reducing the carbon footprint of food production and transportation. Climate Action (SDG 13) Urban planning can help mitigate the impacts of climate change by promoting low-carbon transport systems, green infrastructure, and energy-efficient buildings. It can also encourage the use of public transportation, biking, and walking, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Gender Equality (SDG 5) Urban planning can promote gender equality by ensuring that public spaces and transportation are safe and accessible for women. It can also encourage the inclusion of women in the planning process and promote the participation of women in the workforce. Challenges in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Urban Planning Despite the potential benefits of urban planning for sustainable development goals, there are several challenges to its implementation. The following are some of the most significant challenges: Limited resources: Many cities and communities lack the financial and technical resources necessary to implement sustainable urban planning practices. Political will: Sustainable urban planning requires political will and commitment from local authorities and policymakers. Without this, sustainable development goals may be difficult to achieve. Institutional capacity: Building institutional capacity for sustainable urban planning can be challenging, particularly in developing countries where institutional structures are weak. Stakeholder participation: Engaging stakeholders in the planning process, such as local communities and civil society organizations, is crucial for successful sustainable urban planning. However, this can be challenging in practice, particularly when stakeholder interests are conflicting. Conclusion Urban planning is critical to achieving sustainable development goals by promoting the efficient use of resources, reducing environmental impact, and promoting social inclusion. Sustainable urban planning can help create sustainable cities and communities that are resilient to environmental, social, and economic changes. However, it also faces several challenges, including limited resources, political will, institutional capacity, and stakeholder participation. Overcoming these challenges will require collective action and commitment from local authorities, policymakers, and communities worldwide. Author: Muhammad Talha Naeem Graduated from University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore Certified Town Planner from Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP)

Read More ⟶
April 23, 2023 No Comments

Urban Planning Contributes in Providing Better Living Opportunities

Image Courtesy: Photo by Mohit Kumar on Unsplash Urban planning contributes in creating better living opportunities for people living in cities and urban areas. It involves the use of various strategies and technologies to design, manage, and develop cities in a way that promotes sustainability and meets the needs of the population. Assessing Community Needs Assessing community needs is an essential part of urban planning, as it helps urban planners to identify the needs and priorities of the community and develop plans that address them. By involving the community in the planning process, urban planners can ensure that their plans are responsive to the needs of the people they serve. Land Use Planning Land use planning is another important aspect of urban planning. It involves determining the best use of land in urban areas, such as zoning for residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational purposes. By carefully planning land use, urban planners can create liveable and sustainable communities that promote walkability, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage active transportation. Transportation Planning Transportation planning is also crucial in providing better living opportunities for urban residents. It includes designing and managing transportation systems, such as public transportation, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways. By promoting public transportation and bike paths, urban planners can reduce traffic congestion and air pollution while promoting healthy lifestyles. Infrastructure Planning Infrastructure planning is essential for ensuring the health and safety of urban residents. It involves developing and managing essential facilities and services, such as water supply, sewage treatment, and waste management. By providing adequate infrastructure, urban planners can improve the quality of life for people living in urban areas. Public Space Planning Public space planning is another important aspect of urban planning. It involves designing and managing public spaces, such as parks, plazas, and streetscapes. High-quality public spaces can encourage social interaction and promote healthy lifestyles, contributing to better living opportunities for urban residents. Image Courtesy: Arcdaily Environmental Planning Environmental planning is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of urban communities. It involves promoting sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and sustainable transportation. By promoting sustainable practices, urban planners can reduce the environmental impact of urban development and create healthier and more liveable communities. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock Housing Planning Housing planning is essential for ensuring that people have access to safe, affordable, and healthy housing. It includes the development of affordable housing, mixed-use developments, and sustainable housing. By promoting mixed-use developments and affordable housing, urban planners can create diverse and inclusive communities. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock Economic Planning Economic planning is also crucial in creating vibrant and sustainable urban communities. It involves promoting business development, job creation, and economic diversity. By promoting economic growth and diversity, urban planners can create opportunities for residents and businesses while enhancing the overall quality of life in urban areas. Conclusion In conclusion, urban planning plays a crucial role in providing better living opportunities for people living in urban areas. By assessing community needs and planning land use, transportation, infrastructure, public spaces, environmental protection, housing, and economic development, urban planners can create liveable, sustainable, and inclusive communities. Through careful planning and management, urban planners can improve the quality of life for urban residents, making cities a better place to live, work, and play. Author: Plnr. Nimra Ali Graduated from University of Engineering and technology in BSc. City and Regional planning and a certified member of Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners.

Read More ⟶
April 23, 2023 No Comments

Revitalization of Public Square: Making Cities More Livable

Revitalization of Public Square As cities continue to grow rapidly around the world, their physical structures are constantly changing, often in ways that are not favorable. As the population increases, there is a greater demand for infrastructure and facilities. The future of cities is a concern, particularly in terms of privatization and decentralization, which can have an impact on open public spaces. One of the most significant of these public spaces is the public square, which serves as a reflection of the city’s identity and the cultural background of its communities. These squares have been gathering places for people in urban environments since ancient times, where “urban life” takes place. Urban squares are a fundamental component of the city structure, contributing to the city’s image and prestige. As I write about the Revitalization of public squares, it is important to recognize their importance as essential public spaces in urban environments. Roles and Functions of Public Square Public squares serve as a vital part of the transportation system, acting as intersections for both pedestrians and vehicles. They also serve as civic centers where citizens engage in commercial activities and participate in leisurely games and sports. People could sit, relax, read books, meet with friends etc. These public spaces can be used for a variety of activities, such as ceremonies, rituals, and even marketplaces. Well-designed public squares enhance the visual landscape and contribute to environmental aesthetics, which can have positive psychological impacts on users. Additionally, the existence of open and green spaces like public squares can provide economic benefits for the surrounding community by increasing nearby real estate prices. Public squares play a significant role in fostering social cohesion and local identity in addition to their physical and ecological functions. They act as social catalysts, bringing citizens together from different social, economic, and cultural backgrounds, age groups, etc. Urban public squares symbolize “coexistence” and are essential to democracy, as they provide equal accessibility to all citizens. The main function of urban squares is to gather people for various activities, making them a crucial element of the city’s social fabric. Designing Urban Spaces Defining universal design principles that apply to all public squares worldwide is a difficult task. However, identifying basic principles can assist designers and planners during the design process. Before focusing on the design of public squares, it is important to understand the concept of modern cities. One of the major challenges facing globalizing cities is the loss of identity in public spaces, which planners and authorities should be mindful of when making decisions. A responsive public space should meet the community’s needs and provide spaces for relaxation, discovery, and active and passive engagement. Public spaces should be democratic and accessible to all groups. Additionally, public spaces should be meaningful and allow people to make connections between the place, their lives, and the world. When designing urban public squares, size is an important aspect to consider. While it is commonly believed that public squares must be large, size should be determined based on location, surrounding uses, and nearby activities. Designers and planners should focus on the concept of the place and potential user activity before determining the size of the square. Some researchers have attempted to identify the ideal size of public squares, but it ultimately depends on the specific context and needs of the community. Conclusion: In conclusion, urban public squares play a critical role in creating a livable, sustainable and democratic city. As public spaces continue to decline, concerns for the vitality of cities increase. Public squares are essential for establishing a physical and mental connection between public and urban environments, promoting social activities and cohesion, enhancing the character of the environment, and creating a sense of place and identity. However, urban public spaces, including public squares, have been negatively affected by globalization, privatization, and increasing individualism. Therefore, it is essential to recreate and design urban squares to enliven public life and establish social cohesion. Basic design principles for successful urban squares include promoting public use and participation, creating physically and socially accessible environments, achieving environmental sustainability, and promoting art and cultural activities. Urban designers and planners should prioritize the preservation of public squares and create management strategies to prevent losing a vital part of the city and community. Author: Plnr. Rehan Ali Nasir Graduated from University of Management & Technology in BS. City & Regional Planning and Certified Member of Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners.

Read More ⟶
April 23, 2023 No Comments

URBANIZATION IN KARACHI

Urbanization in Karachi Urbanization is a complex process that affects millions of people around the world, particularly in developing countries where rapid urbanization has become a major concern. Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, has experienced unprecedented urbanization in recent years, with a population that has grown from 5 million in 1998 to more than 14 million in 2021. This growth has been fueled by a combination of natural increase and migration from rural areas and other parts of Pakistan. However, this rapid urbanization has led to various socio-economic and environmental challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and rising inequality. This article explores the drivers of urbanization in Karachi, the implications of urbanization for social and environmental sustainability, and the well-being of its residents. Karachi is a port city located on the Arabian Sea coast in southern Pakistan. It is the capital of the province of Sindh and the largest city in Pakistan, with an estimated population of 14.9 million in 2021. Karachi is the financial and economic hub of Pakistan and a major gateway for international trade, making it an attractive destination for migrants from across the country. Karachi has experienced rapid urbanization over the past few decades, with the urban population growing from 5 million in 1998 to 14.9 million in 2021. This growth has been fueled by a combination of natural increase and migration from rural areas and other parts of Pakistan. As a result, Karachi’s population density is one of the highest in the world, with more than 24,000 people per square kilometer. Karachi is also home to various informal settlements and slums, where the living conditions are often substandard and access to basic services is limited. The rapid urbanization of Karachi has resulted in various challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and rising inequality. These challenges have significant implications for the well-being and livelihoods of Karachi’s residents, particularly those living in informal settlements and slums. Therefore, the research problem for this paper is to understand the drivers of urbanization in Karachi and the implications for urban development, social and environmental sustainability, and the well-being of its residents. A critical analysis of existing research on Karachi urbanization reveals that there is a significant body of literature on the topic, with a focus on various aspects of urbanization, including migration, housing, infrastructure, and governance. However, there is a need for more research on the implications of urbanization for social and environmental sustainability, as well as the well-being of residents, particularly those living in informal settlements and slums. Various theoretical and conceptual frameworks have been developed to understand the dynamics of urbanization. These frameworks include the urban transition theory, which posits that urbanization is a natural process that occurs as societies undergo economic and social transformation. Another framework is the urban political economy, which emphasizes the role of political and economic factors in shaping urban development. In the context of Karachi, the urbanization process is shaped by a combination of economic, social, and political factors, including globalization, urban governance, and migration. The rapid urbanization of Karachi has resulted in various challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and rising inequality. These challenges have significant implications for the well-being and livelihoods of Karachi’s residents, particularly those living in informal settlements and slums. Therefore, the research problem for this paper is to understand the drivers of urbanization in Karachi and the implications for urban development, social and environmental sustainability, and the well-being of its residents. A critical analysis of existing research on Karachi urbanization reveals that there is a significant body of literature on the topic, with a focus on various aspects of urbanization, including migration, housing, infrastructure, and governance. However, there is a need for more research on the implications of urbanization for social and environmental sustainability, as well as the well-being of residents, particularly those living in informal settlements and slums. Various theoretical and conceptual frameworks have been developed to understand the dynamics of urbanization. These frameworks include the urban transition theory, which posits that urbanization is a natural process that occurs as societies undergo economic and social transformation. Another framework is the urban political economy, which emphasizes the role of political and economic factors in shaping urban development. In the context of Karachi, the urbanization process is shaped by a combination of economic, social, and political factors, including globalization, urban governance, and migration. The data collected reveal that urbanization in Karachi is driven by a combination of economic, social, and political factors, including globalization, urban governance, and migration. The data also reveal that urbanization has significant implications for social and environmental sustainability, as well as the well-being of residents, particularly those living in informal settlements and slums. Inadequate urban governance and planning have contributed to the development of informal settlements and slums, which are characterized by poor living conditions and limited access to basic services. Environmental degradation is also a major concern, with air and water pollution, inadequate waste management, and deforestation leading to health hazards and ecological imbalances. In conclusion, the rapid urbanization of Karachi has led to various socio-economic and environmental challenges, including inadequate infrastructure. Author: Town Planner Anis Samoo Member of Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners Member of Institute of Planners Pakistan

Read More ⟶
April 13, 2023 No Comments

India’s deadly heat waves are getting even hotter

The consequences of climate change will be horrific for the Indo-Gangetic Plain Apr 2nd 2023 | DELHI AND JACOBABAD heat waves in India In the opening scenes of “The Ministry for the Future”, the novelist Kim Stanley Robinson imagines what happens to a small Indian town hit by a heat wave. Streets empty as normal activity becomes impossible. Air-conditioned rooms fill with silent fugitives from the heat. Rooftops are littered with the corpses of people sleeping outside in search of a non-existent breath of wind. The electricity grid, then law and order, break down. Like a medieval vision of hell, the local lake fills with half-poached bodies. Across north India, 20m die in a week. Mr Robinson said he wrote his best-seller, published in 2020, as a warning. The Indo-Gangetic Plain, which extends from the spine of Pakistan through northern India to the deltas of Bangladesh, is home to 700m people and exceptionally vulnerable to the heat pulses that climate change is making more frequent. It is one of the hottest, poorest and most populous places on earth (see map). Its electricity grids are unreliable. Between 2000 and 2019, South Asia saw over 110,000 excess deaths a year due to rising temperatures, according to a study in Lancet Planetary Health, a journal. Last year’s hot season, which runs from March until the arrival of the monsoon in late May or early June, was one of the most extreme and economically disruptive on record. This year’s could rival it. India has just experienced its hottest December and February since 1901. In March the India Meteorological Department (imd) and its counterpart in Pakistan (pmd) warned of above-average temperatures and heatwaves until the end of May. On March 6th Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, chaired a review on hot season preparedness. Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority has kicked off a countrywide simulation to test emergency responses to the flooding that can follow extreme heat. Despite a relatively cool March, the coming weeks could be perilously hot. On April 1st Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, imd’s chief, sounded the alarm again. Scientists record heat stress as a combination of temperature and humidity, known as a “wet-bulb” measurement. As this combined level approaches body temperature, 37°C, it becomes increasing hard for mammals to shed heat through perspiration. At a wet-bulb temperature of around 31°C, dangerously little sweat can evaporate into the soup-like air. Brain damage and heart and kidney failure become increasingly likely. Sustained exposure to a temperature of 35°C, the level Mr Robinson imagines in his book, is considered fatal. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is one of the few places where wet-bulb temperatures of 35°C have been recorded, including on several occasions in the scorched Pakistani town of Jacobabad. A report by the World Bank in November warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed the 35°C survivability threshold. The regular temperature last year peaked in Jacobabad, which sits at the border of Pakistan’s provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, at 51°C. Half the town’s population of 200,000 had by then fled in search of more bearable temperatures. Even after the temperature began to ease, in early June, it was hard to resume regular activity. Ali Bahar, a daily-wage labourer in Jacobabad, recalls trying and failing to work in its surrounding fields in June. While driving a tractor in 42°C heat, he felt feverish and dizzy, then tumbled from the machine, injuring his head. Co-workers carried him to a local clinic, which dished out the standard treatment of a packet of orange-flavoured rehydration salts. Though he was discharged six hours later, he was unable to work for a week. The temperature record provides a horrifying account of the changes afoot. According to the definition of a heat wave used by India’s weather agency, which takes into account average annual local temperatures and the duration of the anomaly, India saw, on average, 23.5 heatwaves every year in the two decades to 2019, more than double the annual average of 9.9 it saw between 1980 and 1999. Between 2010 and 2019, the incidence of heatwaves in India grew by a quarter compared to the previous decade, with a corresponding increase in heat-related mortality of 27%. During last year’s hot season, India experienced twice as many heatwave days as in the same period in 2012, the previous record year. Climate change made last year’s heat pulse 30 times likelier than it would otherwise have been, according to World Weather Attribution, a global research collaboration. That is both because it has raised India’s average annual temperature—by around 0.7°C between 1900 and 2018—and because it has made anomalous heat surges bigger and more frequent. The magnifying effect of the built urban environment, which can be 2°C hotter than nearby rural areas, is often especially pronounced in India’s concrete jungles. Those living in slum housing, which offer little air circulation and often use heat-sucking materials such as tin, suffer the worst of it. If the climate warms by 2°C compared with pre-industrial levels, as appears unavoidable, such events would be more likely by an additional factor of 2-20. Even if the world makes more headway on curbing greenhouse-gas emissions than looks likely, “vast regions of South Asia are projected to experience [wet-bulb temperature] episodes exceeding 31°C, which is considered extremely dangerous for most humans”, according to a paper by Elfatih Eltahir of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and colleagues. The costs of crippling heat are already vast. Even working in the shade on an average summer day in Delhi results in labour losses of 15-20 minutes per hour at the hottest times, reckons Luke Parsons of Duke University in North Carolina. Mr Parsons and colleagues have estimated that India loses 101bn man hours per year to extreme heat, and Pakistan 13bn. During last year’s withering hot season, the wheat harvest was down by around 15% in both countries—and in some regions by as much as 30%. Livestock perished. The normal agricultural day became impossible. Electricity outages, in

Read More ⟶
April 4, 2023 No Comments

Greenfield Country Club & Resort Trip

Courtesy: Green Fields Country Club It was fantastic! We went on our office tour to the Greenfield Country Club & Resort Hotel at the end of March. I had to get up early because the Bus timing to pick me up from the office was 9 AM.Can you believe sir Junaid and our office boy missed the bus and joined us from a petrol pump on the way. The journey was good everyone was enjoying the travelling by singing, dancing and laughing. It was a sunny day. As we reached there on time at the main gate, our CEO sir Khurram was already reached there with his family too.It was a lush green garden over there. They served us delicious juice at the entrance. There were multiple activities like indoor outdoor games, horse riding and boating etc. The soothing environment of the place was spiritually pleasing to me because it took me closer to nature. I was enjoying the activities we played cricket together and won the match too. The indoor games were brilliant. After lunch, we had gone for swimming. The water was so cold which was contrasting with the sunny environment. After lunch, we played indoor games Carrom board, mechanical bull ride and table tennis. I captured many landscapes and sceneries. As you know photography is my hobby too. I have also experienced the built indoor structure from an architectural design point of view they beautifully used the dark colours of marble and furniture to respect the interior design as you can see in the pictures At the end of the day I enjoyed all the activities and tired enough so I enjoyed tea over there with a beautiful view of the sunset. Moreover, it was a good trip I learned a thing that outdoor & communal activities-built team coordination and communication skills strong. It’s also good for our physical and mental health.

Read More ⟶
March 22, 2023 No Comments

The Ancient Festival of Holi(ہولی کا قدیم تہوار)

ہولی کا قدیم تہوارجس کا آغاز پاکستان کی دھرتی سے ہوا پاکستان میں صوبہ پنجاب کے جنوبی شہر ملتان کے قلعہ کہنہ قاسم باغ میں واقع ہندوؤں کا تاریخی مندر ’پرہلاد پوری‘ تاریخی اعتبار سے دنیا بھر میں بسنے والے ہندوؤں کے لیے اہم حیثیت رکھتا ہے کیونکہ کہا جاتا ہے کہ ’ہولی‘ کے تہوار کا آغاز یہیں سے ہوا تھا۔ تاہم یہ مندر گذشتہ کئی سال سے ایک کھنڈر کی صورت بنا ہوا ہے ہولی ہندوبرادری کا تہوار ہے جو بھارت میں قومی سطح پر منایا جاتا ہے۔ اس کے علاوہ ایشیا کے دیگر حصوں اور مغربی دنیا کے مختلف حصوں میں منایا جاتا ہے۔ ہولی کو رنگوں کا تہوار یا محبت کا تہوار بھی کہا جاتا ہے۔ہولی کا تہوار برائی پر اچھائی کی فتح، بہار کی آمد، دوسروں سے ملنے، کھیلنے اور ہنسنے، معاف کرنے اور معافی مانگنے اور ٹوٹے رشتوں کو دوبارہ بحال کرنے کی علامت ہے۔ یہ اچھی فصل کے لیے شکر گزاری کے طور پر بھی منایا جاتا ہے۔ ہندو عقیدے کے مطابق ہولی کے تہوار کا آغاز پاکستان کے شہر ملتان سے ہوا جہاں آج بھی پرہلادپوری مندرکے آثارموجود ہیں۔ ہندو دھرم کی روایات کے مطابق یہ قدیم مندر بھگت پرہلاد کے نام سے منسوب ہے، جو ست یوگ میں آئے تھے۔

Read More ⟶
March 11, 2023 No Comments

Remembering an Unsung Hero

Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali It was a tense afternoon of 23rd April 1930, when thousands of people had gathered in front of the Qissa Khawani Bazar Police Chowki in Peshawar, and the men of the Royal Garhwal Rifles took positions against the protesting crowd. Hundreds of people were looking on from their houses and rooftops. The British Captain warned the non-violent demonstrators to disperse but it had no effect on them. Then, in a rush of anger, he shouted….  ”Garhwal ~ Three rounds Fire !! ” In response, an equally firm voice of platoon head Veer Chandra Gharwal was heard, refusing to fire upon unarmed people even if the Captain were to shoot them down….. and all the Garhwali soldiers lowered their rifles to the ground. It was a rare and extraordinary moment of couragous defiance by a local unit in the history of British colonial rule. However, for this disobedience, he along with 59 soldiers were arrested and faced military court martial. They were sentenced to life imprisonment and all their properties were seized. After serving this term in several jails for 11 years, 3 months and 18 days, he was finally released in year 1941. Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali was born on 25th December, 1889 in the district of Garhwal, Utterkhand, and died on 1st October, 1979 after a long illness. For his humanity and courage, he deserves to be known, acknowledged and remembered by us.

Read More ⟶
October 4, 2022 No Comments

The last days of Socrates
By Plato

‘Nothing can harm a good man either in life or after death’ – Socrates The trial and condemnation of Socrates on charges of heresy and corrupting young minds is a defining moment in the history of classical Athens. In tracing these events through four dialogues, Plato also developed his own philosophy of a life guided by self-responsibility. Euthyphro finds Socrates outside the court-house, debating the nature of piety, while the Apology is his robust rebuttal of the charges against him. In the Crito, awaiting execution in prison, Socrates counters the arguments of friends urging him to escape. Finally, in the Phaedo, he is shown calmly confident in the face of death. Will start reading this enlightening book by a great philosopher about the last days of one of the greatest philosopher of all time who accepted to drink a cup of poison as a price for not compromising on the truth he believed in.

Read More ⟶
May 17, 2022 No Comments

Pakistan Ka Matlab Kya? la ilaha illallah

Islam appears to me like a perfect work of architecture. All its parts are harmoniously conceived to complement and support each other; nothing is superfluous and nothing lacking; and the result is a structure of absolute balance and solid composure.  – Leopold Weiss born on 2nd July 1900 in a Jewish family in Austria. Converted to Islam in 1926 in Berlin and adopted Muslim name Mohammad Asaad. In 1932, he came to British India and met poet philosopher, thinker, Allama Mohammad Iqbal who inspired asad to stay in British India and help Muslims to establish their separate home. Allama Iqbal encouraged asad to translate Sahi Al Bukhari in English for the first time in history. Asad went to Kashmir to do the needful. When Pakistan was born on 14th August 1947,  Asad was the first foreigner to get Pakistani Citizenship and was appointed Director of the Department of Islamic Reconstruction by Qaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah with the following goals to achieve: 1) interest free banking 2) Islamic education system 3) constitution based on Quran and Sunnah In the words of Qaid e Azam, a State of our own concept – that is to say, a State which would fully satisfy our desire to have a polity built on the principles of Islam. Alhamdulillah Qaid e Azam was a true marde momin. We have to fulfill the unfinished agenda of our Qaid e Azam and Pakistan.

Read More ⟶
March 4, 2022 No Comments
urban forest

Mini urban forest at Hyderabad’s taluka Tando Jam

Mini-forests are small areas of forest often found in urban centers. Saplings are planted at three per square meter, which is far denser than in normal forests. These forests can be as small as a tennis court meaning that they can exist in urban areas which are often lacking biodiversity. A great initiative has been taken by the district commissioner of Tando jam by inaugurating a mini urban forest. The eye-catching look of the forest decorated with coloured umbrellas has begged the attention of the whole of Pakistan. There are numerous benefits of the mini urban forest. It not only maintains the desirable vegetation cover but also protects the biodiversity by providing preferable habitat to birds and animals. Besides, these parks are the need of the hour to contain the menace of global warming. Global warming, which begets climate change, is a global phenomenon therefore mini urban forest is the best step to contain it at the local level. The local community also gets benefits from these green spaces. These parks provide fresh oxygen and suitable area for walking and exercise which ultimately put positive psychology impacts on humans. Therefore, the idea of a mini urban forest should be promoted and supported by the government at all levels of society. Besides, the government should also launch an awareness campaign regarding the benefits of these forests so the people should take interest in the building and protect mini urban forests. Town Planner Anis SamooMember of Pakistan Council of Architects and Town PlannersMember of Institute Of Planners Pakistan

Read More ⟶
March 25, 2021 No Comments
Sheikh Abdur Rasheed

Remembering The Late Sheikh Abdur Rasheed

With Sheikh Abdur Rasheed’s passing on Thursday 21st January 2021, the Town Planning profession lost one of its most talented, respected, and beloved members. He spent an extensive part of his life working for the betterment of the profession, fashioning new ways to strengthen the profession, and depicting the importance of urban planning as a top part of the country’s social and communal fabric. He was one of the first urban planners of Pakistan. He laid the groundwork for future generations to follow in his footsteps.Born in 1936, Sheikh Rasheed completed his M.A. in Sociology from Punjab University in 1961 and his MSc. in Town Planning from UET Lahore in 1965. He further did a post-graduate diploma in Planning Housing and Building from the Netherlands in 1970. Being one of the first urban planners in the country with a sociology specialization made him more perceptive, receptive, and open towards the country’s urban social and development problems. He was one of the first planners that showed that urban planning is not just another field of study. Still, it is intricately plaited into the overall structure of society. It is related to every other discipline such as economics, sociology, engineering and politics. With every experience, he became more knowledgeable and, in due course, became a sea of wisdom and learning for every coming generation of urban planners. His accolades and honours included international certifications, Vice Chairman Town Planning PCAPT, President IPP, visiting professor at UET, assignments in the U.K., USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and numerous conferences seminars. Sheikh Rasheed’s diverse experience working with national and international donor agencies on mega-projects of Master Planning and Land Development schemes established him as an outstanding Town Planning profession member. In 2011, the Prime Minister of Pakistan awarded him a Gold Medal for his policy paper on Urban Development, focusing on housing. His seasoned career included being a planner under the Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs Saudi Arabia and Director-General twice for the Punjab and Lahore Development Authority. After his retirement in 1996, Sheikh Rasheed joined MM Pakistan. He spent 25 years of his career flourishing as a Team Leader, Co-coordinator, Planning Advisor, and Sector Head on various assignments. His dedication and enthusiasm in his roles were highly motivational for young and old. His participation brought another level of professional excellence to MMP’s Urban & Infrastructure Sector. As with all of his ventures, he leaves behind a legacy of being the pioneer of developing Master Planning within MMP.He worked on projects of much significance in every province of the country. As Director-General of LDA, he guided the early planning and development process of the metropolis. As an executive member of the planning and development board, he improved and streamlined the entire province’s planning and development process. He was one of the members who reviewed the existing master plan of Islamabad under the request of CDA. In addition to all these major social and policy-related works, he has multiple stars on his shoulders for working as a principal planner and as a sociologist for various urban and rural housing projects, master plans of international cities, water and transport-related projects.Sheikh Abdur Rasheed will be remembered as an exceptional Townplanner and an extraordinary human being by students, colleagues and the country’s Town Planners. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat.

Read More ⟶
March 22, 2021 No Comments
LDA

LDA reforms have led to Ease of Doing Business in Lahore

LDA reforms have led to Ease of Doing Business in Lahore. Under its Vice Chairman, S.M. Imran, LDA revised building and zoning regulations-2019 to promote vertical development and curtail abnormal horizontal sprawl. The fundamental motivation behind these reforms is to shape-up Lahore in a direction that the city can offer better life and livelihood opportunities to entire inhabitants. The reform agenda proposed various amendments in building bylaws to promote multi-story residential apartments and commercial plazas. The Chief Town Planner, LDA led this whole trial and segregated high-rise buildings into six broad categories depending on building height, namely low rise, medium-rise 1, medium-rise 2, high rise 1, high rise 2 and skyscraper category. The new building bylaws allow multi-story buildings on plots as small as 10 Marla – comparably, the minimum area required for tall buildings was four Kanals in the previous bylaws. Similarly, changes have been made in height restrictions on 10 Marla plots residing next to a 30-feet wide road by changing the limit to 50 feet from 38 feet. The authority has made similar changes in various categories, such as for 1- Kanal plot, the height limit is now 90 feet, 2-Kanals 120 feet, 4- Kanal 200 feet, and 8-Kanals to 12 Kanals up to 300 feet. For the category of a skyscraper, the plot requirement is more than 12- Kanals, and it has no height restriction, but the developer will have to get a NOC from the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan to move forward with the development. Besides, to encourage vertical development and controlling haphazard horizontal expansion in the district, the authority under the guidance of DG LDA and V.C. Chairman LDA Mr S.M Imran has also revised its procedural rules regulations to fashion ease of doing business in Lahore. Out of the several changes made in the procedural rules, the following are worth discussing. The first reform is that plans will be sanctioned after submission of documents (Clause 10.4.1.), which states that after submission of documents to the concerned agencies, the building plan may be issued provided other conditions under the building regulations are fulfilled. The second reform is relief in the release of plans in phases (Clause 10.4.1 (f)), in which the authority has allowed the developer, in case of a multi-story building, that during the processing of a claim for release of the subsequent floor plan above plinth level, to continue the construction up to ground floor at his own risk and cost but strictly following plan under process for release. The third reform is the validity of the sanction plan (Clause 10.7.1), for plot size up to 2-Kanal and for plot above 2-Kanal, the maximum period has been increased to 5 years. The fourth reform is that for non-hazardous warehouses, the requirement of NOC from EPA will not be applicable anymore (Clause 10.4.1). The Fifth reform is quick and early approval of building plans. In the case of building plans of residential plots, approval will be given within 21 days in approved schemes and 30 days in the controlled areas, while in the case of the commercial building, plans will be approved within 30 days. One crucial point here is that if the plans are not sanctioned within the prescribed time, the owner can start and raise construction at the site after payment of scrutiny fee and a penalty for deviations (if applicable) and submission of an affidavit that the construction will be raised as per submitted building plans (Clause 10.13). In case of all the other buildings such as Apartment, Public building, multi-story building and industrial, building plans are to be approved within 45 days. If the plans are not sanctioned within 60 days, the owner can start and raise construction at the site after payment of scrutiny and submission of relevant documents for firefighting, structure drawings, traffic impact assessment reports, etc. The sixth reform deals with implementing an insurance policy for multi-story buildings to save the developer from any future incident and harm. The authority has ensured that the owner will provide insurance for the building from a registered Insurance Company at the time of issuance of the completion certificate (Clause 10.9.3 (d)). The authority has constituted a Grievance Committee to recommend the cases involving non-compoundable building violations (mentioned in Clause 10.11.1) for regularization up to max 10% of the total covered area as well as other such matters owing to destitution subject to payment of fee and fines on the production of relevant NOC from Rescue 1122, Civil Defence and certificate from professional PEC registered Structural Engineer. The authority has also allowed construction in phases (Clause 10.8.3(1)), which states that if the developer intends to construct the building in multiple phases, the plan or drawing provided for approval must have construction in phases duly numbered. What is more is that if the building comprises of more than one block, the owner may plump for development in the form of the first block (as up to plinth level, 38ft and above), the second block (as up to plinth level, 38ft and above), and so on bound by validity of building period/sanctioned plan. These regulations and many others will allow new developers and entrepreneurs to get their projects developed quickly without any hassle. Under these new regulations, all government agencies and other departments are bound to decide on the issuance of no-objection certificates within 15 days. This improvement in the plan approval process, issuance of NOCs, and completion certificates will bring more investors into the city and transform the city into a high-rise modern provincial capital rather than an uncontrolled, constantly expanding megapolis.

Read More ⟶
March 20, 2021 No Comments
shakar parian

The villages of Islamabad

کریڈٹ ۔عابد علی اسلام آباد میں 85 دیہات شامل تھے جو اسلام آباد کی تعمیر سے متاثر ہوئے۔ جن میں تقریباً 50 ہزار افراد آباد تھے۔شکر پڑیاں بھی ان میں سے ایک گاؤں تھا یہاں دو سو سے زائد گھر تھے جو بالکل اس جگہ پر تھے جہاں آج لوک ورثہ موجود ہے۔ لوک ورثہ کے پیچھے پہاڑی پر اس گاؤں کے آثار آج بھی جنگل میں بکھرے پڑے ہیں۔ 85 دیہات کی 45 ہزار ایکٹر زمین جب سی ڈی اے نے حاصل کی تو متاثرین میں اس وقت 16 کروڑ روپے تقسیم کیے گئے جبکہ انہیں ملتان، ساہیوال، وہاڑی، جھنگ اور سندھ کے گدو بیراج میں کاشت کے لیے 90 ہزار ایکڑ زمین بھی الاٹ کی گئی جس کے لیے 36 ہزار پرمٹ جاری کیے گئے۔ان میں جو بڑے گاؤں تھے ان میں کٹاریاں بھی شامل تھاجو موجودہ شاہراہ ِ دستور اور وزارت خارجہ کی جگہ آباد تھا۔ شکر پڑیاں لوک ورثہ کی جگہ، بیسٹ ویسٹرن ہوٹل کے عقب میں سنبل کورک مری روڈ پر سی ڈی اے فارم ہاؤسز کی جگہ گھج ریوٹ. جی سکس میں بیچو, ای سیون میں ڈھوک جیون ایف سکس میں بانیاں, جناح سپر میں روپڑاں جی 10 میں ٹھٹھہ گوجراں, آئی ایٹ میں سنبل جاوہ نڑالہ اور نڑالہ کلاں. ایچ ایٹ میں جابو زیرو پوائنٹ میں پتن, میریٹ ہوٹل کی جگہ پہالاں ایچ ٹین میں بھیگا سیداں, کنونشن سینٹر کی جگہ بھانگڑی, آبپارہ کی جگہ باغ کلاں اسی طرح راول ڈیم کی جگہ راول، پھگڑیل، شکراہ، کماگری، کھڑ پن اور مچھریالاں نامی گاؤں بستے تھے۔ فیصل مسجد کی جگہ ٹیمبا اور اس کے پیچھے پہاڑی پر کلنجر نام کی بستی تھی۔ شکر پڑیاں میں گکھڑوں کی بگیال شاخ کے لوگ آباد تھے جنہیں ملک بوگا کی اولاد بتایا جاتا ہے۔ گکھڑوں نے پوٹھوہار پر ساڑھے سات سو سال حکمرانی کی ہے۔ راولپنڈی کے گزٹیئر 1884 کے مطابق ضلع راولپنڈی کے 109 دیہات کے مالک گوجر اور 62 گکھڑوں کی ملکیت تھے۔

Read More ⟶
March 18, 2021 No Comments
Subqtullah Rashdi

Subqtullah Rashdi

Subqtullah Rashdi is one of the few freedom heroes of South Asia who had chosen the path of militancy as a tool to fight against the invader, the colonial power in United India and win freedom rather than carrying a struggle as per the line adopted by Gandhi. He is many times different from other such heroes who had chosen the same path such as Bhagat Singh and others. Behind him were his disciples who were more than a million, women, men and children who joined him in his call. He was martyred this day in 1943 before dawn by hanging till death. His body was not given to his heirs. His two teenage sons were taken into custody and sent to exile to London, monitored and governed by the British rulers. Still, his grave is unlocated. The most important of all is that hundreds went to gallows in following his path. The entire hur families were sent to jails, their free movements were curtailed. He was 32 years old when he went to gallows at Hyderabad Jail. Col Kargil was a British officer who executed his death. That last night of Soreh Badshah is narrated by Kargil. Pagra played chess with him, Pagara defeated Kargil in chess. Time was nearing to execute his death, Pagara offered Namaz and with full confidence and courage, he went to gallows.He lived in his early life in jails of Bengal, where he was inspired by Subash Chander Bose and his doctrine winning freedom. His slogan for his movement was وطن یا کفن۔ Jinnah was his lawyer. His trial was a mockery of free and fair trial even by the standards of those times. British rulers brought first-time martial law in some part of Sindh to crush his movement. British empire brought Hur Act, in law Hurs were treated as prone to do the crime. How this militancy had brought these into ashes, is a great ordeal in itself. It was also a freedom movement fought by women. When Air Marshall Asghar Khan, who was a pilot at that time serving in the Indian Air force, was ordered to take the plane and make aireal firing upon their located movement. Asghar Khan came back without executing orders because there was a movement of women and children riding on carts. They were not militants. Asghar Khan was court-martialed.It is a long tale, needs a thousand pages to write down this ordeal and the commitment of this hero for the motherland.

Read More ⟶
March 17, 2021 No Comments
Ruins

Mushtaq Ahmed Yusufi

بشکریہ پیج :مشتاق احمد یوسفی یہ کھنڈر ضلع جلہم کے شہر پنڈ دادنخان میں واقع ہیں۔ یہ کوئی عام کھنڈر نہیں یہ دسویں صدی کے مشہور سائینسدان ابوریحانالبیرونی کی لیبارٹری ہے، جس میں انھوں نے ان پہاڑوں کی چوٹیوں کا استعمال کر کے زمین کی کل پیمائش کا صحیح اندازہ لگایا البیرونی کے مطابق زمین کا قطر 3928.77 تھا جبکہ موجودہ ناسا کی جدید کیلکولیشن کے مطابق 3847.80 ھے یعنی محض81 کلومیٹر کا فرق البہرونی نے ڈھائی سو سے زیادہ کتابیں لکھیں، وہ محمود غزنوی کے دربار سے منسلک تھے، افغان لشکر کے ساتھ کلرکہار آئے، افغانوں نے البیرونی کے ڈیزائن پر انکو یہ لیبارٹی بنا کر دی، اب سوچنے کی بات یہ ہے کہ ہم اپنے ورثہ کی کیسے قدر کرتے ہیں، اس میں ماسوائے چند بکریاں چرانے والوں کے علاوہ کوئی نہیں جاتا، اگر اس کا خیال نہیں رکھا گیا تو بہت ہی جلد ہم اس عجوبہ سے محروم ہوجائینگے، اس کے علاوہ یہاں تک جانے کا راستہ بھی ٹھیک نہیں ہے، اس کے لئے تقریبا ایک گھنٹہ کا پیدل سفر کرنا پڑے گا، حکومت کو چاہیئے کہ دوبارہ سے ٹھیک کرے اور تعلیمی اداروں کو چاہیئے کہ Study Tours ایسے تاریخی مقامات پر کروایا کریں۔ یہ جو سٹڈی ٹور مری، نتھیا گلی وغیرہ میں کیئے جاتے ہیں یہ صرف اور صرف تفریح ہی ہو سکتے ہیں ان سے تعلیمی مقاصد حاصل نہیں کیئے جا سکتے، 1974 میں سوویت یونین نے ابو ریحان محمد بن البیرونی پر ایک فلم بھی بنائی ھے جس کا نام ھے ابو ریحان البیرونی، البیرونی کی وفات 1050 میں غزنی افغانستان میں ہوئی اور وہیں آسودہ خاک ہیں

Read More ⟶
March 15, 2021 No Comments
Dyal Singh Majithia

Dyal Singh Majithia

Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia (1848–98) was an Indian banker and activist in progressive and social reform measures in Punjab. He established The Tribune newspaper in Lahore in 1881 and later remained founder chairman of the Punjab National Bank, established in 1894. He established the Dyal Singh trust society. When he died in 1898 he owned 26 prestigious properties, including Dyal Singh Mansion of 54 residential units on The Mall, scores of lawyers’ chambers on Fane Road, the exchange building which was later sold to Ganga Ram Hospital, and a property in Karachi which was sold after his death and the earning invested in the purchase of land on the road to Mian Mir, where today stands the new campus of Panjab University. Most of the buildings, plots of land, and villages in Lahore, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur districts were bequeathed to the trusts that set up Dyal Singh College and Dyal Singh Library. His other business activity concerned the purchase and resale of precious jewelry. With his deep knowledge of the history of the Sikh kingdom and the riches of the once important and wealthy families now in dire straits, he sent agents to buy these out for him. He was a connoisseur of precious stones and told his friends how lucrative this business was.

Read More ⟶
March 13, 2021 No Comments
Nasirud-din-Murat-Khan

Nasirud-din Murat-Khan

Nasirud-din Murat graduated with triple degrees in architecture, town planning, and civil engineering from Leningrad State University in 1930. He enjoyed a thoroughly successful career in the capacity of both as a chief civil engineer and as a chief architect involved in several projects in the USSR such as the national theatre in the city of Derbent, a polytechnic institute for 800 students in Makhachkala, a 600-bed hospital in the same city, town planning and designing of a new township for 60,000 families (over 100,000 people) in Makhachkala and other numerous projects. In Pakistan, he designed multiple structures as well including 1,000-bed Nishtar Hospital in Multan, a mental hospital of 500 bed in Mansehra, Division Public School in Lahore and Faisalabad, 700+ seating capacity auditorium in Forman Christian College, Municipal office in Multan, Mosque in the Governor’s house and many other to count. The most iconic gift given by the architect was Minar-e-Pakistan for which he didn’t charge a penny and to which he gave the reason that he wanted to show gratitude to the country who gave him his final home. There is a misconception that he was only the architect of the monument but in reality, he was both architect and engineer of the monument. Originally, the top of the monument didn’t have a covering to signify the young country’s infinite, promising growth. The committee overseeing the project changed the design to a dome to signify Islamic architecture, which was contested heavily by Nasirud din. He told the committee that they are stunting the growth of the country by changing the design but the committee didn’t budge. They even excluded him from the project two weeks before the inauguration and sent him the final bill which he rejected because he wanted to pass the bill after removing errors and defects. The committee went forward with their decision and inaugurated the monument without even inviting the man who gave everything to it. According to his daughter, he was heart-broken and devastated and he wanted to leave Pakistan but unfortunately, he died a year after, with a broken heart.

Read More ⟶
March 13, 2021 No Comments
Sir Ganga Ram

Sir Ganga Ram Father of Modern Lahore

Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram (13 April 1851 – 10 July 1927) was an Indian civil engineer, architect, and leading philanthropist of his time, who established the Renala Hydral Power Station in Renala Khurd in 1925. His extensive contributions to the urban fabric of Lahore, in modern Pakistan, caused Khaled Ahmed to describe him as “the father of modern Lahore”. In 1873, after a brief Service in Punjab P.W.D devoted himself to practical farming. He obtained on lease from the Government 50,000 acres (200 km²) of barren, unirrigated land in Montgomery district, and within three years converted that vast desert into smiling fields, irrigated by water lifted by a hydroelectric plant and running through a thousand miles of irrigation channels, all constructed at his own cost. This was the biggest private enterprise of the kind, unknown and unthought-of in the country before. Sir Ganga Ram earned millions most of which he gave to charity. In the words of Sir Malcolm Hailey, the Governor of Punjab, “he won like a hero and gave like a Saint”. He was a great engineer and a great philanthropist. He designed and built General Post Office, Lahore Museum, Aitchison College, Mayo School of Arts (now the NCA), Ganga Ram Hospital, Lady Mclagan Girls High School, the chemistry department of the Government College University, the Albert Victor wing of Mayo Hospital, the Hailey College of Commerce, Ravi Road House for the Disabled, the Ganga Ram Trust Building on The Mall and Lady Maynard Industrial School. He also constructed Model Town, once the best locality of Lahore, the powerhouse at Renala Khurd as well as the railway track between Pathankot and Amritsar. He built Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lady Mclagan School, and Renala Khurd Power House with his own money. He was a promising agriculturist, too. He purchased thousands of acres of barren land in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad) on lease and by using engineering skills and modern irrigation methods, turned the arid lands into fertile fields. He retired in 1903. He died in London on July 10, 1927. His body was cremated and his ashes were brought back to India. A portion of the ashes was consigned to Ganga River and the rest buried in Lahore on the bank of the Ravi. A statue of Sir Ganga Ram once stood on Mall Road in Lahore. Saadat Hasan Manto, the famous Urdu writer, in one of his stories on the frenzy of religious riots of 1947 writes that an inflamed mob in Lahore, after attacking a Hindu residential area, ‘turned to attack the statue of Sir Ganga Ram, the Hindu philanthropist. They first pelted the statue with stones; then smothered its face with coal tar. Then a man made a garland of old shoes climbed up to put it around the neck of the statue. The police arrived and opened fire. Among the injured was the fellow with the garland of old shoes. As he fell, the mob shouted: “Let us rush him to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital”.

Read More ⟶
March 12, 2021 No Comments
CityStreet

Are 15-minute cities the future?

The concept of the 15-minute city is slowly gaining traction across the globe as policymakers and urban planners look at its versatility in combatting densification and climate change. Imagine a city that included all urban necessities in a 15- minute radius? That’s the new concept of the 15-minute city based on the idea from Professor Carlos Moreno at the Sorbonne in Paris, in which all urban necessities are within a 15-minute reach on foot or bicycle. Moreno believes that humanity needs to move away from its dependence on roads and cars and aim to live in a carbon-neutral city. It’s a concept rapidly gaining traction after the COVID-19 pandemic as urban planners and architects look to alleviate the densification of cities. “The idea is that cities should be designed or rather re-designed so that they are within the distance of a 15-minute walk. People should be able to live the essence of what constitutes the urban experience to access work, house, food, health, education culture, and leisure,” he said in his TED Talk about the concept. “We need to rethink cities around the building blocks that form 15-minute cities. First ecology for a green and sustainable city, second proximity: to live with reduced distances to other activities, third solidarity: to create links between other people. Finally, participation should involve citizens in the transformation of their neighborhood. Cities are places of economic dynamism and innovation, but we need to make urban life more pleasant healthy, and flexible,” he says. The idea is already taking shape among policymakers and urban planners; Paris is aiming to be the world’s first 15-minute city by 2030, while Melbourne is looking at 20-minute neighborhoods by 2050. Buenos Aires, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Glasgow are also focusing on this concept in their bid to reduce emissions and waste in the drive towards carbon neutrality. WHAT FACTORS MUST A 15-MINUTE CITY HAVE? Proximity: Things must be close, no more than 15-minutes via bicycle or foot Diversity: Different urban amenities including a green environment Density: There must be enough people to support a diversity of businesses in a compact land area. Ubiquity: These neighborhoods must be so common that they are available and affordable to anyone who wants to live in one. NEOM-SAUDI ARABIA’S 15-MINUTE CITY NEOM, The Line, launched earlier this year aims to test out the 15-minute city in the MENA region. The   vehicle-free city   is expected to offer zero-carbon, high-speed autonomous transport, in addition to offering a green environment with all urban necessities no more than 15-minutes away.

Read More ⟶
March 12, 2021 No Comments

In Ruins: 6 Projects That Breathe New Life Into Dilapidated Buildings

Ruins can be spotted all around the world, both in rural and urban areas. Those decayed buildings, bare brick walls, tattered exterior, and beautiful architecture are always eye-catching. The notion of combining them with new architectural styles rather than rebuilding these ruins is modern. 6 Projects That Breathe New Life Into Dilapidated Buildings.

Read More ⟶
January 2, 2021 No Comments

Categories

Recommended Articles​​

Subscribe to our news

Find out about the last days and the latest promotions of our Corporation
Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Whatsapp

Tags

Tags
Affordable housing Architecture Aslam Mughal Ayesha Batool Bukhsh Hospital Construction Supervision CPEC Dhanyala Energy Efficient Building Design Habitat III housing finance Institute of Planners Pakistan INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS Internet of Things IPP Islamabad KHURRAM FARID BARGATT Lahore London low cost housing Master Planning Mian Muhammad Bukhsh Trust Mr. Khurram Farid Bargatt National Housing Policies Net Zero Energy Buildings NZEB Pakistan PCATP Sheher Saaz shehersaaz.com Sheher Saaz Chartered Town Planners smart cities Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Housing The New Urban Agenda Transport for London URBAN DESIGN Urbanization urban mobility urban planning URBAN PLANNING PROJECTS Urban Poverty Urban Unit Waseem Shahid Malik World Town Planning Day

Calendar

June 2025
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30  
shehersaaz logo
Linkedin Twitter Youtube Facebook Instagram

Useful Links

  • Services
  • Projects
  • Contact Us
  • News & Media

Subscribe Now

Don’t miss our future updates! Get Subscribed Today!

© 2025 Sheher Saaz | All rights reserved

Logo-shehersaaz

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule an Appointment