Request a Meeting
Sheher Saaz

SHEHER SAAZ

Creating Places For People
Request a Meeting
our blog

Category: Newsletter

Global Cities Take Action Against Climate Change: A Turning Tide in Urban Sustainability

Sheher Saaz’s Weekly Newsletter / Edition: 6 / December 31, 2024 In a groundbreaking move, several major global cities are adopting climate-positive strategies to reduce emissions. The C40 Cities initiative, representing over 90 cities worldwide, has pledged to halve emissions by 2030, with a focus on sustainable transport, energy-efficient buildings, and waste reduction. New York City, for instance, has unveiled its Climate Mobilization Act, aiming to reduce carbon emissions from large buildings by 40% by 2030. London and Paris are also strengthening urban greening programs, including rooftop gardens and expanded green spaces, to combat urban heat island effects. (Source: C40 Cities) Architecture’s Role in Fighting Climate Change: New Green Building Codes With the urgent need for carbon neutrality, cities globally are enacting stricter building codes. In 2024, the European Union introduced updated regulations requiring all new buildings to meet nearly zero-energy standards. Meanwhile, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has developed new guidelines for sustainable construction materials and energy-efficient designs. Notably, the adoption of passive house standards is gaining momentum across Europe and North America, exemplified by a new “green” district in Berlin focusing on renewable energy integration. (Source: USGBC) Urban Resilience in the Face of Natural Disasters This past week, the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction report highlighted the importance of building urban resilience in disaster-prone areas. Cities like Tokyo and Singapore are leading the way with resilient infrastructure—investing in flood control systems, seismic retrofitting, and disaster-response technology. In particular, Singapore’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters program is transforming reservoirs and waterways into multifunctional spaces, boosting both flood resilience and public engagement with nature. (Source: UNDRR) Industry Trends Smart Cities and Artificial Intelligence: A Perfect Pair for the Future Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing urban planning with its predictive capabilities and automation. AI-powered traffic management systems are now operational in cities like Barcelona, which has implemented smart traffic lights that adapt to real-time congestion levels. Similarly, Seoul is deploying AI to monitor pollution levels and optimize waste collection, ensuring cleaner and more efficient urban spaces. This convergence of AI and IoT (Internet of Things) in urban environments promises a new wave of intelligent cities. (Source: Smart Cities World) Renewable Energy and Urban Innovation: Solar Power Takes Center Stage Urban areas are rapidly shifting towards renewable energy as a long-term sustainability strategy. A report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that solar energy capacity in cities has increased by 30% globally in 2024. Cities like Los Angeles and Sydney are leading the way, integrating solar rooftops and large-scale solar plants into their grids. By incentivizing the installation of solar panels in residential and commercial buildings, urban areas are becoming self-sufficient in clean energy, aligning with global sustainability goals. (Source: IEA) The Rise of Green Mobility: Electric Vehicles and Urban Transport Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming the cornerstone of sustainable urban mobility. In 2024, global sales of EVs exceeded 15 million units, with cities like Amsterdam and Oslo already achieving over 50% of their new vehicle sales as electric. The proliferation of EVs is paired with the growth of electric public transport systems, such as electric buses in Shenzhen and electric taxis in Paris. These cities are setting ambitious goals to become carbon-neutral by 2030, with a large part of the focus on electrifying public transportation. (Source: IEEFA) Sheher Saaz News & Insights Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Dedication and Innovation As we conclude the year 2024, Sheher Saaz Private Limited expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Allah for the growth and progress achieved. We extend our sincerest appreciation to our dedicated team, whose tireless efforts, hard work, and collaboration have been the backbone of our success. Their passion and commitment to urban innovation and sustainability have truly made a difference, and we look forward to what we will achieve together in the year ahead. Sheher Saaz’s New Year Resolution for 2025 Our New Year resolution is clear: to amplify efforts on climate change mitigation, sustainability, and creating a more habitable world for future generations. Together, we can make an impact. In 2025, Sheher Saaz will prioritize resilience in urban planning, climate change mitigation, and environmental conservation. We aim to lead the way in fostering sustainable habitability through innovative solutions in the built environment. Affordable housing, powered by innovation and sustainable practices, will be at the heart of our projects, helping us build communities that thrive. We believe that every step toward sustainability counts, and 2025 will be a year where we push boundaries and create lasting change for generations to come. Here’s to a brighter, greener future—together. Middle East Focus Saudi Vision 2030: The Role of Urban Design in National Development Saudi Vision 2030 , which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil, is now placing a strong emphasis on urban design and infrastructure innovation. This week, Riyadh unveiled plans for a new “green city” in the northern regions, designed to meet LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. This city will focus on renewable energy, sustainable water management, and circular economy principles, setting a new benchmark for urban planning in the region. (Source: Saudi Vision 2030) UAE’s Green Construction Standards The UAE continues to lead in sustainable urban development with the recent release of updated green construction standards by the Dubai Building Council. These standards focus on reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, emphasizing energy-efficient design, water conservation, and the use of renewable materials. Dubai’s ambitious target is to reduce emissions by 50% by 2035, making it one of the most forward-thinking cities in the Middle East when it comes to sustainable architecture. (Source: Dubai Building Council) Public Investment Fund (PIF) Projects: The Green Future The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has announced a new initiative to fund large-scale renewable energy projects. This includes the development of wind and solar farms to power the country’s cities and industries. In line with Saudi Vision 2030 , the PIF’s commitment to sustainability is transforming the region’s energy landscape, with plans for smart grid

Read More ⟶
December 31, 2024 No Comments

Climate-Resilient Urban Development

Sheher Saaz’s Weekly Newsletter / Edition: 5 / December 24, 2024 World Bank Initiates $1 Billion Program for Climate-Resilient Urban Development The World Bank has launched a $1 billion program to help cities in the Global South enhance resilience against climate-induced disasters. The initiative, known as the Urban Climate Resilience Initiative, focuses on sustainable infrastructure, affordable housing, and climate adaptation strategies. Target cities include Dhaka, Jakarta, and Lagos, which are among the most vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Source: World Bank News Paris Advances Its Green Rooftop Revolution Paris is set to expand its Green Rooftops Initiative, with over 1,000 buildings slated for transformation by 2026. This initiative not only beautifies the cityscape but also improves air quality, reduces urban heat islands, and promotes biodiversity. Key features include solar panels, urban farming, and rainwater harvesting systems. Source: City of Paris Official Website Tokyo Introduces AI-Driven Urban Planning Solutions Tokyo‘s metropolitan government has rolled out AI-driven urban planning tools to optimize land use and infrastructure development. The system analyzes real-time data on traffic, population density, and environmental factors to propose efficient urban layouts. This groundbreaking approach is expected to save billions in public spending. Source: Japan Times Industry Trends AI-Powered Digital Twins Transform Smart Cities Digital Twin technology is revolutionizing urban management by creating real-time, AI-powered virtual models of cities. Cities like Singapore and Dubai are leveraging these tools for predictive maintenance, disaster management, and energy optimization. Source: TechCrunch Solar Skins: Aesthetic Advancements in Renewable Energy Startups are introducing solar skins—customizable photovoltaic panels that blend seamlessly with building exteriors. This innovation is set to boost the adoption of solar energy, particularly in urban areas with aesthetic regulations. Source: Renewable Energy World 3D Printing Revolutionizes Affordable Housing New breakthroughs in 3D printing technology have made it possible to build entire homes within 48 hours at a fraction of traditional costs. This trend is being championed in developing nations to address housing shortages. Source: Forbes Sheher Saaz News & Insights Presenting the Future of Astore City: A Comprehensive Master Plan On December 18, 2024, Sheher Saaz Private Limited conducted a high-profile consultation session for the Astore City Master Plan. Key stakeholders, including DC Astore Muhammad Tariq and SP Astore Wazir Nik Alam, collaborated on sustainable solutions for the city’s future.Key focus areas included water supply systems, waste management, transportation networks, and eco-tourism. This session marks a milestone in Astore’s journey towards balanced urban development. Read more: Sheher Saaz Shaping Shiger, Ghanche, and Khurmag’s Future: A Milestone in Sustainable Land Use Planning Three consultative meetings in Shiger, Ghanche, and Khurmag brought together stakeholders to finalize a transformative Land Use Plan. Participants praised Sheher Saaz for its visionary approach, setting a precedent for inclusive urban governance. Read more: Sheher Saaz Celebrating Our Team: Ma’am Madia Yasin’s Birthday On December 20, the Sheher Saaz Private Limited team celebrated the birthday of Ma’am Madia Yasin , whose dedication to sustainable urban development inspires us all. Her leadership continues to guide our ambitious projects. Middle East Focus Saudi Arabia Expands Vision 2030 Initiatives The Kingdom has announced a $5 billion investment in smart city projects, with a focus on renewable energy and advanced mobility systems. Source: Arab News UAE Launches Green Hydrogen Energy Hub Dubai is investing in a green hydrogen energy hub to support decarbonization efforts across the Middle East. The project aligns with UAE’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. Source: Khaleej Times Qatar’s Lusail City Becomes a Model for Smart Urban Living Qatar’s Lusail City integrates IoT and AI to offer residents a seamless urban experience. Key features include autonomous transport and energy-efficient buildings. Source: The Peninsula Qatar Pakistan’s Urban Challenges Karachi Faces Rising Urban Sprawl Unregulated construction in Karachi continues to strain infrastructure, highlighting the need for comprehensive urban policies.Source: Dawn Lahore’s Air Quality Hits Critical Levels Lahore’s smog crisis worsens, with AQI levels consistently in the hazardous range. Experts call for immediate policy interventions.Source: The News International Islamabad Launches Smart Traffic Management System Islamabad has introduced AI-based traffic systems to reduce congestion and enhance road safety.Source: Express Tribune World of Academia MIT Develops Smart Building Materials Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers unveil self-healing concrete capable of repairing cracks autonomously, revolutionizing construction longevity. Source: MIT News Oxford Studies Urban Heat Islands University of Oxford’s study on urban heat islands emphasizes the role of green roofs in mitigating heat in dense cities. Source: University of Oxford NUST Hosts Urban Sustainability Conference National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Pakistan organized a conference focusing on urban water management and climate adaptation strategies.Source: NUST Official Website

Read More ⟶
December 24, 2024 No Comments

COP29: A Turning Point for Climate Action

Sheher Saaz’s Weekly Newsletter / Edition: 4 / December 17, 2024 The COP29 Azerbaijan Summit in Reykjavik has marked a significant milestone in climate diplomacy. Key decisions included a Global Carbon Tax Framework, ensuring a steady flow of funds to climate-impacted nations, and the ambitious plan to phase out fossil fuels entirely by 2040. Developed nations pledged $100 billion annually for climate adaptation, signaling stronger accountability and collaboration for a sustainable future.Source: UN Climate Change News Japan Leads Smart Mobility Solutions for Aging Populations Japan is revolutionizing mobility by deploying AI-driven systems to cater to its rapidly aging population. These innovations include autonomous shuttles, ride-hailing apps tailored for elderly users, and smart urban planning to ensure accessibility. Such advancements provide a framework for cities worldwide to address similar challenges.Source: Nikkei Asia European Commission’s Mission 2030 for Carbon-Neutral Cities Europe is leading the charge on urban sustainability with its Mission 2030 initiative. The program identifies 100 cities that will achieve net-zero emissions through renewable energy adoption, EV incentives, and large-scale urban reforestation efforts. These cities will serve as prototypes for global replication.Source: European Commission Industry Trends Urban Farming Revolutionizes Food Systems The rise of urban farming startups is reshaping food security in densely populated areas. Innovations like vertical farms and controlled-environment agriculture allow for hyper-local food production, reducing carbon footprints and supply chain dependency. Cities like Singapore and Rotterdam are at the forefront of this shift.Source: World Economic Forum AI Takes the Driver’s Seat in Urban Governance Cities are embracing AI for intelligent governance, ranging from predictive analytics in healthcare resource allocation to real-time traffic flow optimization. Singapore’s smart traffic system has reduced congestion by 20%, showcasing the power of data-driven urban management.Source: MIT Technology Review Green Building Certifications Surge Globally The demand for sustainable architecture is pushing the envelope on green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM. Iconic projects include Melbourne’s solar-integrated high-rises and New York’s first net-positive skyscraper. These developments reflect the global shift toward sustainability in the construction industry.Source: Green Building Council Sheher Saaz News & Insights Hosting High-Stakes Client Visits Sheher Saaz Private Limited welcomed a key client at its Pakistan headquarters to discuss progress on a collaborative urban project. Our teams worked tirelessly to refine strategies and present milestone updates, ensuring alignment with the client’s expectations. Field Visits to Peshawar and GB Two dedicated teams, led by Mr. Khurram, visited Peshawar and Gilgit-Baltistan this week. These visits involved presenting project updates and strengthening partnerships with officials and representatives. This on-ground engagement highlights Sheher Saaz ’s commitment to excellence in project delivery. Sheher Saaz Observes Black Day on December 16 Sheher Saaz solemnly observed Black Day in memory of the Peshawar APS incident of December 16, 2014. A memorial was held to honor the victims and reflect on the importance of building safer, more resilient educational and public spaces. This observance highlights Sheher Saaz’s dedication to contributing toward safer urban development initiatives. Middle East Focus Saudi Green Rail Network: A Leap Towards Eco-Friendly Transit Saudi Vision 2030 has taken another step forward with the announcement of its Green Rail Network. This extensive rail system will reduce emissions by 20% by 2035 and connect major urban hubs using renewable energy.Source: Arab News UAE’s Affordable Smart Housing Initiative The UAE has launched a $1 billion initiative to integrate IoT and energy-efficient systems into housing for low-income residents. The program aims to set a global standard for affordability and sustainability.Source: The National News Green Building Revolution in GCC Countries With a growing focus on environmental preservation, GCC nations are adopting green building practices to reduce their carbon footprints. Regulatory frameworks now emphasize energy-efficient designs and the use of sustainable materials, paving the way for healthier urban environments. Qatar’s Innovative Floating Cities Qatar is exploring floating urban developments as a proactive measure against rising sea levels. These cities will be equipped with renewable energy systems, desalination plants, and eco-tourism facilities, demonstrating resilience through innovation.Source: Doha News Pakistan’s Urban Challenges Karachi’s Traffic Gridlock and the Case for Mass Transit Karachi’s traffic crisis continues to worsen, with over 3,500 new vehicles entering the roads daily. Experts emphasize the need for robust mass transit systems, such as BRT expansions, and smart traffic management to ensure urban mobility.Source: Dawn Lahore’s Smog Emergency: Temporary Fixes vs. Long-Term Solutions The recent smog crisis in Lahore, with AQI levels peaking at 450, has led to emergency shutdowns of industries and vehicles. While necessary, these short-term measures underline the pressing need for policy reforms and green urban planning.Source: The Express Tribune Islamabad’s Affordable Housing Expansion Islamabad’s new low-income housing schemes target the underprivileged while incorporating green building practices. These projects aim to address Pakistan’s urban housing deficit while promoting environmental stewardship.Source: The News International World of Academia Harvard’s Research on Urban Flood Resilience A Harvard study outlines how green infrastructure like permeable pavements and urban wetlands can mitigate flooding in cities prone to climate change impacts.Source: Harvard GSD Oxford’s Urban Biodiversity Project Oxford University highlights the ecological and social benefits of integrating biodiversity into urban planning, such as reducing heat islands and improving public health.Source: Oxford University IIT Delhi’s Urban Tech Program Gains Momentum IIT Delhi’s specialized urban technology program is attracting professionals eager to contribute to sustainable smart city projects across the globe.Source: IIT Delhi

Read More ⟶
December 17, 2024 No Comments

Notre Dame Cathedral: A Triumph of Resilience and Restoration

Sheher Saaz’s Weekly Newsletter / Edition: 3 / December 10, 2024 The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has reopened its doors after a painstaking five-year restoration following the devastating fire of April 2019. The project combined ancient craftsmanship with modern engineering, restoring its iconic spire and using fire-resistant oak and lead materials for its roof. The reopening represents more than just architectural triumph—it is a testament to global solidarity in preserving cultural heritage. Sheher Saaz Private Limited has produced a documentary on the restoration, exploring lessons for global urban heritage conservation. This special production, guided by Mr.Khurram Farid Bargatt, delves into how cities can balance modernization while safeguarding historical landmarks. The documentary emphasizes that heritage preservation fosters a sense of identity and continuity in rapidly urbanizing societies. Watch it on our. Sources: BBC, NY Times. AI Regulation: Navigating the Global Debate The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence has spurred calls for robust global governance. The European Union‘s Artificial Intelligence Act, set to become the first comprehensive AI law, establishes frameworks to mitigate risks while promoting innovation. The United Nations and G7 have also engaged in high-level discussions, aiming to address issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and AI misuse. These regulatory efforts reflect a growing consensus that AI’s benefits must be balanced with ethical considerations to prevent exploitation and inequality. For urban planners, these developments are crucial as AI becomes integral to predictive analytics, infrastructure optimization, and urban governance.Sources: World Economic Forum, CIDOB. Cities and Climate Action: Lessons from COP28 The 28th UN Climate Conference, COP28 UAE , highlighted the critical role of urban areas in mitigating the climate crisis. Cities, which produce over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, are uniquely positioned to lead climate action through renewable energy, green infrastructure, and public transit reforms. Initiatives like green roofs in New York and vertical gardens in Singapore serve as global case studies. These measures not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance urban resilience against climate change’s growing impacts. Sources: UN-Habitat, IPCC. Industry Trends Generative AI in Urban Planning Generative AI is revolutionizing urban development by enabling real-time simulations, predictive modeling, and enhanced decision-making for city planners. Amsterdam, a pioneer in AI integration, uses these technologies to optimize traffic patterns, reduce emissions, and improve public services. AI-driven platforms are also helping architects design energy-efficient buildings and predict urban growth scenarios. As these tools become mainstream, they promise to reduce planning errors and accelerate the creation of sustainable, inclusive cities. Source: McKinsey. Circular Economy in Construction The global construction industry is shifting toward circular economy principles, emphasizing waste reduction and resource efficiency. Techniques like modular construction, material recycling, and adaptive reuse are becoming standard. For instance, projects in Copenhagen repurpose old building materials, saving costs and reducing carbon footprints. This transformation aligns with international commitments to achieve net-zero emissions and reduce construction’s significant environmental impact. Source: IPCC, Architectural Digest. The 15-Minute City: Transforming Urban Lifestyles Cities like Paris, Melbourne, and Bogotá are adopting the “15-minute city” model, where residents can access work, education, and leisure within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This model reduces car dependency, lowers emissions, and fosters community connectivity. Urban experts argue that this paradigm could redefine post-pandemic city planning, prioritizing sustainability and quality of life over sprawling developments. Source: Cities Today, World Economic Forum. Sheher Saaz News & Insights Decision Support System (DSS) Launch Sheher Saaz Private Limited, serving as the core consultant, has successfully designed and developed the Decision Support System (DSS) dashboards for Sahiwal and Sialkot under the Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Program (PICIIP). These cutting-edge dashboards were officially launched during an event held on December 10, 2024, at Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore. The occasion was graced by prominent figures, including Mr. Zeeshan Rafiq, Minister for Municipal Affairs Punjab, and Mr. Hamza Salick, Head of PICIIP, alongside urban experts, consultants, and university students. The DSS, a GIS-based platform, is a transformative tool aimed at modernizing municipal governance. By integrating technology with urban management, it streamlines workflows, enhances transparency, and facilitates data-driven decision-making. This innovative system directly addresses critical urban challenges such as delayed site approvals, fragmented planning processes, and limited citizen engagement in municipal operations. Key features of the DSS include role-based interfaces tailored for officials and citizens, seamless alignment with urban policies, and a public service portal to simplify application tracking. These advancements are set to revolutionize urban governance by enabling more efficient planning, resource optimization, and equitable service delivery. Through its role in designing and developing this groundbreaking system, Sheher Saaz has reaffirmed its position as a leader in urban planning innovation. This milestone marks a significant step toward building smarter, more sustainable, and citizen-focused cities across Punjab. Expanding Middle Eastern Ventures Sheher Saaz is building a strong presence in the Middle East, focusing on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Guided by Mr. Khurram Farid Bargatt, the company is engaging with key stakeholders to promote sustainable urban planning projects in the region. These efforts align with Sheher Saaz’s vision of international collaboration and innovation. Heritage Conservation Documentary Under the guidance of Mr. Khurram Farid Bargatt, Sheher Saaz released a documentary celebrating the restoration of the Notre Dame Cathedral. This production highlights the global importance of heritage preservation and its lessons for urban planners. Middle East Focus NEOM’s Transformational Vision Saudi Arabia‘s NEOM project continues to set new benchmarks for urban development with its flagship initiative, THE LINE. This 170-kilometer-long linear city is a bold departure from traditional urban layouts, featuring stacked layers for living, workspaces, and recreation. Fully powered by renewable energy, THE LINE operates on zero-emissions principles and integrates artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time optimization of services. Central to NEOM’s vision is the concept of “living harmony,” emphasizing seamless coexistence between humanity and nature. This revolutionary project underlines Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy and lead the global movement toward sustainable urbanism under the Saudi Vision 2030 agenda. Source: NEOM Official, BBC. UAE’s Solar Power Breakthrough The UAE recently unveiled the Al Dhafra Solar Power Plant,

Read More ⟶
December 10, 2024 No Comments

COP16 Riyadh: A Milestone for Land Restoration

COP16 Riyadh: A Milestone for Land Restoration Sheher Saaz’s Weekly Newsletter / Edition: 2 / December 5, 2024 The 16th session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) is taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2-13, 2024. This critical summit is focused on tackling desertification, land degradation, and drought resilience, key issues for the region. COP16Riyadh aims to accelerate global efforts to restore land and boost drought resilience, marking a renewed commitment to environmental action.Source: UNCCD World Investment Conference: New Horizons for Urban Development The World Investment Conference held in Riyadh this December has showcased cutting-edge opportunities in sustainable urban development. Investors and policymakers discussed strategies for integrating climate action into major infrastructure projects, with a focus on sustainable investments that align with global climate goals.Source: Gulf News Riyadh Metro Inauguration: A Leap Towards Sustainability The grand inauguration of the Riyadh Metro on November 27, 2024, represents a monumental step in sustainable urban mobility. The metro system, part of the kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030 , aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and connect key urban centers across Riyadh.Source: Arab News Industry Trends The Rise of Smart Infrastructure: AI and Data in Urban Planning The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data is transforming the way cities are designed and managed. Recent studies indicate that AI is being used to optimize urban services such as traffic flow, waste management, and energy use. Cities like Singapore and Barcelona are leading the charge in implementing AI-driven solutions to create more efficient, livable spaces. According to a report from QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey , AI’s role is pivotal in reducing urban carbon footprints by enhancing energy efficiency and transportation networks.Source: McKinsey & Company, Source: Smart Cities Dive. Sustainability through Smart Mobility: The Future of Transportation With increasing urbanization, cities are shifting towards sustainable mobility systems to reduce congestion and improve air quality. The concept of “smart mobility,” which integrates electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous transportation, and multimodal transport networks, is gaining significant attention. According to a recent article by the World Economic Forum , cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen are setting examples by embracing smart mobility strategies, which help reduce the environmental impact while improving connectivity. These innovative approaches are critical for creating cities that are both sustainable and adaptable.Source: World Economic Forum, Source: Cities Today. Sheher Saaz News & Insights Expanding Horizons: Mr. Khurram Farid’s KSA Business Tour Mr. Khurram Farid Bargatt , Managing Director of Sheher Saaz , has completed a successful business tour’s first phase in Saudi Arabia, aimed at enhancing Sheher Saaz Private Limited’s presence and operations in the region. The tour focused on building new partnerships with key stakeholders, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives of urban development and sustainability. This step is crucial for strengthening Sheher Saaz’s foothold in the Middle East market. Celebrating Excellence: Mr. Umair Haris’s Birthday On November 29, Sheher Saaz Private Limited all teams celebrated the birthday of Mr. Umair Haris, a key member of our team, whose contributions to sustainable urban development continue to inspire us. His work on various regional projects has been pivotal in shaping our company’s future. World Wildlife Conservation Day: A Commitment to Nature On December 4, Sheher Saaz joined the global community in observing World Wildlife Conservation Day. This day serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect biodiversity and natural habitats. Our ongoing projects reflect this commitment to sustainability, focusing on eco-friendly designs that safeguard the environment. Middle East Focus COP29: Azerbaijan’s Role in Climate Action As COP29 Azerbaijan approaches, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a key player in global climate discussions. With its unique geography and commitment to sustainability, Azerbaijan is focusing on land restoration, water management, and energy transitions. This sets a powerful example for countries in the region to follow suit.Source: UNFCCC Saudi Arabia’s Green Commitment: The Next Step Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in renewable energy as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. This includes major projects like the Al-Faisaliah solar park, which is set to become one of the largest in the Middle East. Such investments align with the nation’s sustainability agenda under Vision 2030.Source: Saudi Green Initiative Pakistan’s Urban Challenges Karachi’s Smart City Initiative: Moving Towards a Sustainable Future Karachi is embracing smart technologies to combat its urban challenges. Recent initiatives include expanding the city’s public transport network and implementing green infrastructure solutions to improve air quality. Urban planners are optimistic about the potential for these initiatives to drive sustainable development.Source: The News Academia Innovative Urban Design Research at MIT and Harvard Leading universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University are continuously advancing research on urban sustainability, with MIT focusing on how AI can optimize urban design and Harvard exploring the integration of green spaces in densely populated cities. These academic discussions offer fresh perspectives on climate resilience and urban regeneration.Learn more: MIT Urban Planning Research, Harvard Urban Design Program. Sustainable Cities Graduate Programs in the Middle East In a new move to align with Saudi Vision 2030, universities across the Middle East, including the KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology), are launching specialized graduate programs focused on sustainable urban development. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills necessary to lead future climate-conscious cities.Learn more: KAUST Sustainability Program.

Read More ⟶
December 2, 2024 No Comments

Cities in Transition: From Resilience to Revolution in Urban Planning

Sheher Saaz’s Weekly Newsletter / Edition: 1 / November 25, 2024 The World Cities Report 2024, published by UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) , calls cities both problem and solution in the climate crisis. The report emphasizes that while urban areas produce over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, they also offer trans-formative opportunities for reducing poverty and increasing resilience. Policies around public transport, green roofs, and inclusive housing are highlighted as keys to reversing climate impacts. This comprehensive review stresses the urgency of integrating equity into climate action. Source: UN-Habitat. Urban Green Infrastructure Gains Global Momentum Innovative green infrastructure solutions are reshaping cities from Singapore to New York. Research demonstrates how green corridors, vertical gardens, and urban forests can tackle rising temperatures and air pollution while creating socio-economic benefits. Such initiatives underscore the global pivot toward sustainability in urban design. Source: IPCC. Industry Trends Redefining Smart Cities in the Age of AI A groundbreaking study by McKinsey & Company highlights how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing urban planning. From optimizing traffic patterns to predicting climate impacts, AI is becoming indispensable in creating sustainable, adaptive cities. Early adopters like Amsterdam and Shenzhen are setting the benchmark for integrated urban intelligence systems. Source: McKinsey & Company. The Rise of the 15-Minute City Cities like Paris and Bogotá are embracing the “15-minute city” concept, focusing on hyper-local living. By reimagining urban areas where all daily essentials are within a 15-minute radius, planners aim to reduce car dependency and foster sustainable, community-driven economies. Source: Cities Today. Sheher Saaz News & Insights November has been a month of celebration, growth, and reflection at Sheher Saaz. This week, we celebrated the birthdays of two exceptional leaders shaping our vision. Mr.Khurram Farid Bargatt, an Urban Planner and Climate Change Specialist, continues to drive innovative policies that address urban sustainability challenges in Pakistan. His ability to bridge public policy with grassroots action inspires all of us. Meanwhile, Mr. Asim Ali Noon Noon, a visionary Architect and Urban Designer, integrates local heritage with modern design principles, try to setting new standards in development practice. November also marked our observance of World Town Planning Day (November 8), a moment to honor the planners whose meticulous designs create sustainable and inclusive spaces. Our internal discussions reflected on how urban planning can mitigate environmental degradation and improve socio-economic conditions. Additionally, we participated in World GIS Day (November 13), focusing on GIS technology‘s role in creating smarter cities. From mapping flood-prone areas in Karachi to planning efficient transport networks in Lahore, GIS is integral to our work. A special mention goes to Miss Iram Saleem , Architect, Interior Designer, and Urban Designer, who was given a heartfelt farewell by the entire team. Her contributions have left a lasting impact, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours. These moments underscore our commitment to leading innovation in urban planning while celebrating the people and technologies driving change. Middle East Focus NEOM: A Glimpse into the Future Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project continues to push the boundaries of urban innovation. With significant progress on THE LINE—a car-free, zero-emissions vertical city—the kingdom is re-imagining urban living. This initiative is part of Saudi Vision 2030 , which aims to establish a global model for sustainability and technology. Source: NEOM Official. UAE Strengthens its Renewable Energy Leadership In a recent development, the UAE inaugurated its largest solar power plant in Al Dhafra, capable of generating 2 GW of clean energy. This project cements the UAE’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and sets an example for the region’s energy transition. Source: Gulf News. Pakistan’s Urban Challenges Lahore: Facing the Strain of Unchecked Growth Lahore‘s rapid urbanization is now a critical concern. Unplanned sprawl has strained infrastructure, leading to water shortages, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. Experts advocate for smart zoning policies and enhanced public transportation to mitigate these issues. Urban planners are also emphasizing water-sensitive designs to address the looming water crisis. Source: Dawn. Islamabad’s Smart City Initiatives The Capital Development Authority has launched new initiatives to incorporate smart solutions in Islamabad, focusing on traffic management and energy efficiency. These efforts aim to position Islamabad as a model for sustainable urban living in Pakistan. Source: Express Tribune. Academia The Urban Future Lecture Series Leading universities, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Architecture, Design and Planning – University of Sydney , are hosting a series of lectures on “Resilient Urban Futures.” Topics include AI’s role in smart cities and the integration of climate resilience into urban design. These discussions offer invaluable insights for professionals and students aiming to shape sustainable cities. University of Sydney Urban Futures.

Read More ⟶
November 25, 2024 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
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

Construction Package By PM Pakistan

Iqbal Institute of Policy Studies invites you to the following event.Webinar on “CONSTRUCTION PACKAGE BY PM PAKISTAN”When: Thu May 7, 2020, 12:00 pm – 02:00 pm (Pakistan Standard Time) Joining link info: To join the video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/qpn-wgpc-ocyOtherwise, to join by phone, dial +1 240-774-0086 and enter this PIN: 555 481 385#To view more phone numbers, click this link: https://tel.meet/qpn-wgpc-ocy?hs=5) Moderators: Lt. Gen (R) Haroon Aslam – President Advisory Board IIPS Mr. Khurram Farid Bargatt – Member Advisory Board IIPS Speakers: Mr. Zaigham M. Rizvi – Chairman NPHP Mr. S.M. Imran – Vice-Chairman LDA Mr. Shafiq Akbar – Chairman Graana Group Mr. Akbar Sheikh – Chairman ABAD (N.R) Mr. Kalim A Siddiqui – Chairman PCATP Mr. Javed Afzal – Provincial Chief SMEDA Instructions: Use of Google Chrome Browser is recommended to join the webinar. To ensure voice clarity & prevent feedback participants are requested to mute their microphones unless they are the ones speaking. Participants besides the Panelists are requested to reserve their questions for the webinar end Q&As session or write their questions in the comments section.

Read More ⟶
April 10, 2020 No Comments

Internship Program 2020

An internship at Sheher Saaz allows you to tackle real issues in policy areas spanning the full breadth of work. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work alongside our experienced full-time staff in helping out in the day-to-day operations at a research center. Interns are an integral part of the team. They take charge of tasks that support the organization’s work and operations. We welcome dedicated, resourceful, and motivated individuals from various academic backgrounds to join our team and make an impact on building a better Pakistan. Here you not only build your knowledge and skills in a thought-provoking think tank environment, but you will also gain experiences that will be beneficial to your personal and professional growth. We offer three types of internship programs: Junior Associate Program Sheher Saaz most competitive and prestigious internship program for graduates. Candidates must possess expertise in subject areas relevant to Sheher Saaz work, such as economics, political science, law, business, social sciences, environment, gender development, GIS, transportation, project management, conservation, architecture and urban planning as well as business development. Junior Associates are expected to handle more complex tasks such as assisting with the completion of a research proposal/paper and leading a program campaign. Eligibility: University graduate with a CGPA of at least 3.5 Duration: 6 to 9 months To apply, please submit the following documents to hr@shehersaaz.com Curriculum Vitae (include references) and cover letter Transcripts and relevant certificates Essay to the following question: ‘What policy reforms would you propose in Pakistan and why?’ Sample of written work Shortlisted candidates will be notified for further interviews. Business Development Internship Sheher Saaz is seeking a current college student, current graduate student, or recent college graduate who is interested in serving as an intern and providing a wide range of database, research, administrative, and general support to Sheher Saaz Development Manager. In return, Sheher Saaz will provide an opportunity for the intern to gain experience in and familiarity with areas such as conducting surveys, collecting primary and secondary data, event management,  business development, research, and day-to-day operations of a think tank with a global network. The Development Intern will be part of the External Relations Team and report to the Development Manager. Specific Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Assist the development staff in entering data for analysis. Conduct research on potential strategic partners, markets and industries. Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external use. Draft correspondence, reports, proposals and briefs. Assist the development staff in planning events and other activities. Maintain files and other development materials. Attend department and staff meetings. Assist with mailings, filing, and special projects as needed. Qualifications Strong writing and research abilities. Desire to learn more about research and development. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and relevant professional applications. Experience with databases is a plus. Good interpersonal skills and attention to detail. A demonstrated commitment to Sheher Saaz mission and values. Unimpeachable ethical standards and personal integrity. June 2020 to November 2020 Flexible within business hours (9:30 am to 5:00 pm). A firm commitment of 40 hours per week is required. Duration: 6 months To apply, please submit the following documents to hr@shehersaaz.com Curriculum Vitae (include references) and cover letter Transcripts and relevant certificates Sample of written work Shortlisted candidates will be notified for further interview. Internship Sheher Saaz Internship is an internship program for fresh graduates and students from any academic background. Interns are expected to provide support for projects and activities of the division that they are assigned to, and will have the opportunity to be involved in policy research, event management, communications work and so on. Eligibility: University students from any background Duration: 3 to 6 months To apply, please submit the following documents to hr@shehersaaz.com Curriculum Vitae Short answer to the following questions: ‘Why do you want to be part of Sheher Saaz and what do you want to achieve from the internship program (limit 300 words) Sample of written work Shortlisted candidates will be notified for further interview.

Read More ⟶
March 26, 2020 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 Internship at Lahore 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 URBAN DESIGN Urbanization urban mobility urban planning URBAN PLANNING PROJECTS Urban Poverty Urban Unit Waseem Shahid Malik World Town Planning Day

Calendar

January 2025
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
Linkedin Twitter Youtube Facebook Instagram

Useful Links

  • Services
  • Projects
  • Contact Us
  • News & Media

Subscribe Now

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

© 2024 Sheher Saaz | All rights reserved

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule an Appointment