Urban Renewal: Upgrading Cities
- Campaign Vision
To revitalize old cities and towns of Pakistan by redesigning and renovating deteriorating infrastructure, housing, and pathways—making them safe, sustainable, and livable for all generations.
- Objectives
- Modernize Infrastructure
Upgrade roads, drainage, water supply, sanitation, and energy systems in old urban centers. - Housing Rehabilitation
Renovate and retrofit deteriorating housing units, ensuring safety, resilience, and modern amenities. - Preserve Heritage & Identity
Restore historical districts, cultural landmarks, and traditional markets while blending them with modern urban planning. - Green & Sustainable Cities
Introduce eco-friendly designs, parks, pedestrian pathways, cycling tracks, and energy-efficient buildings. - Inclusive Urban Planning
Ensure renewal programs cater to the needs of low-income and marginalized communities in old cities. - Public–Private Partnerships
Mobilize investments from private developers, international donors, and local governments for large-scale renewal projects. - Smart City Integration
Incorporate AI and digital solutions (smart waste management, traffic control, GIS mapping) in renewed urban spaces.
- Target Stakeholders
- Government Bodies – Ministry of Housing & Works, provincial development authorities, local governments.
- Municipal Corporations – urban planning & infrastructure departments.
- Communities & Residents – inhabitants of old towns and inner cities.
- Developers & Contractors – real estate, construction, and urban renewal firms.
- Architects & Urban Planners – design experts in sustainable and heritage-led renewal.
- Civil Society & NGOs – community organizations advocating for livable cities.
- International Partners – UN-Habitat, Asian Development Bank, World Bank.
- Campaign Strategy & Communication Channels
- Advocacy & Policy Engagement
- Propose a National Urban Renewal Policy for old cities.
- Organize policy dialogues with government, planners, and developers.
- Push for dedicated urban renewal funds at federal & provincial levels.
- Public Awareness & Mobilisation
- Campaign slogan: “Renew Cities, Renew Lives”.
- Mass media storytelling on success cases of renewal (local & global).
- Social media hashtags: #UrbanRenewalPK, #CitiesForFuture.
- Community consultations in old neighborhoods.
- Demonstration Projects
- Pilot urban renewal of one old town district (e.g., Lahore Walled City, Karachi Saddar).
- Showcase model upgraded streets with smart lighting, drainage, and housing renovation.
- Launch of public–private renewal consortiums.
- Partnerships & Collaborations
- Collaborate with developers & banks for financing.
- MoUs with UN-Habitat, World Bank, and ADB for technical & financial assistance.
- Work with heritage bodies for cultural preservation.
- Key Activities & Timeline
| Phase | Duration | Activities |
| Phase 1: Mobilisation | Months 1–3 | Policy drafting, stakeholder mapping, awareness drive |
| Phase 2: Demonstration | Months 4–6 | Launch model street & neighborhood renewal pilots |
| Phase 3: Expansion | Months 7–12 | Rollout renewal in multiple old towns, citizen participation |
| Phase 4: Scale-Up | Year 2+ | Nationwide program, digital integration, heritage-tourism linkage |
- Suggested Campaign Team
- Campaign Director – urban development & renewal specialist.
- Urban Planning & Design Team – architects, engineers, GIS experts.
- Community Engagement Unit – local liaisons, NGOs, citizen reps.
- Finance & Partnership Desk – public-private partnership experts.
- Communications & PR Cell – branding, outreach, storytelling.
- Monitoring & Evaluation Team – progress tracking, feedback loops.
- Success Indicators
- At least 5 urban renewal pilots completed in first 2 years.
- 30% reduction in infrastructure failures (waterlogging, broken roads) in renewed districts.
- Renovation of 100,000 housing units in old neighborhoods.
- Integration of heritage preservation with tourism boosting local economy.
- Enhanced quality of life & safety scores in targeted cities.