The UMT Department of City and Regional Planning of School of Architecture and Planning (SAP) celebrated the 70th World Town Planning Day at the campus on November 19, 2019. The aim of the celebration was to bring together planners and communities at one platform and highlight the aims, objectives, and progress of urban and regional planning around the globe.
Ibrahim Hassan Murad, President UMT, Dr Muhammad Aslam, Rector UMT and Dr Fariha Tariq, Chairperson of Department of City and Regional Planning and other officials warmly welcomed the Chief Guests Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, Minister Housing, Vice Chairman, LDA and SM Imran, Zaigham Rizvi, Chairman of Federal Housing Taskforce.
Dr Fariha Tariq in her welcome note talked about the latest projects undertaken by the Department of City and Regional Planning which included ‘Naya Pakistan Housing Project’ designated by Government of Pakistan and ‘Future Cities Initiative.’ A cake cutting ceremony was also held on the occasion.
Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed stated that there was no proper town planning in the past, therefore, people were facing traffic and law and order problems. He suggested the experts to search for viable solutions to overcome the issues faced by society as it was the need of hour. He said that ‘Future Cities Initiative’ project would shape cities of tomorrow and government would provide homes to all needy.
Ibrahim Hassan Murad commented that better town planning would lead us to be at par with the infrastructure of developed countries and it would generate revenue for the country and strengthen industries of Pakistan. The other speakers also emphasized the need of better town planning based on research and innovation. Dr Muhammad Aslam expressed that there is a dire need to address issues related to environmental collapse, income inequality, personal isolation, shortage of housing, water and sanitation. An MOU was also signed between UMT CRP Department with Rai Tahir representing PHATA, Khuram Fareed, Vice Chairman PCATP, Salman Javed from Urban Unit, Omer J. Ghani and Zahid Ali from Trioca Ventures (Pvt.) Ltd.
It is a moment of great pride for UMT that Dr Fariha Tariq, Chairperson of Department of City and Regional Planning is selected as a representative of UN-HABITAT. The event concluded on a book launching ceremony, Pakistan and Urban Agenda by Khuram Fareed which is a latest addition to research and development.