At the forefront of addressing urbanization and sustainable real estate development, the Proptech & Smartech Convention ’23 hosted a panel discussion titled “Educating for Smart, Safe & Sustainable Real Estate Development.” This event featured Mr. Ejaz Muhammad, CEO of Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited; Mr. Muhammad Arif Changezi, Chairman of PCATP; Mr. Hasan Bakshi, former Chairman of ABAD; and Dr. Saeed Uddin of NED University. Their insights, presented by MENA PropTech, offer a roadmap for transforming Pakistan’s urban landscapes into models of sustainability and inclusivity.

Adapting to Urbanization: A Strategic Imperative

The panel discussed Pakistan’s rapid urbanization and predicted that by 2030, half of the population will be urban dwellers. This demographic shift, driven by rural-to-urban migration, poses challenges in infrastructure and housing. Mr. Ejaz Muhammad stressed the need for comprehensive public transportation systems in growing cities. Mr. Arif Changezi highlighted Karachi’s housing crisis, emphasizing the need for well-planned housing solutions.

Integrating Social and Environmental Responsibility

The discussion, enriched by Dr. Saeed Uddin’s insights, focused on the social and environmental aspects of urban growth. The panelists acknowledged the importance of considering diverse societal needs in city planning and promoting eco-friendly development practices to address climate change. The increasing participation of women in the workforce was also noted as a key factor for future urban planning.

Shaping Future Leaders in Sustainable Development

The panel underscored the importance of academic and regulatory advancements in architecture and planning to prepare professionals for sustainable urban development challenges. MENA PropTech supports educational frameworks that adapt to the evolving landscape of urban development.

MENA PropTech is dedicated to highlighting these crucial conversations, shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban future. To explore these discussions further, we recommend watching the full panel discussion video to capture the essence of this transformative dialogue.