Blueprint for Change: Urban Planning in Pakistan

Episode 5

Pakistan is one of the most urbanized countries of South Asia. However, urbanization has led to such rapid expansion of Pakistan’s cities that they struggle to deliver public services, create productive jobs, and implement effective policies regarding planning. Dr. Omar Masud and Fizzah Sajjad draw attention to these pressing matters and offer a compelling exploration of the urban landscape in Pakistan.

Fizzah Sajjad is a PhD candidate in Human Geography and Urban Studies. Her research focuses on speculative practices in residential real estate in Lahore, Pakistan, and examines their links with real estate growth, public investment in housing, and the market for adequate housing.

Muhammad Omar Masud is the CEO of the Urban Unit and a member of the Pakistan Administrative Service.  He holds a master’s degree in public policy from Princeton University and a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in urban policy.