Private housing societies across Pakistan are rapidly expanding, often with little regard for green spaces or sustainable urban planning. In many cases, the focus is squarely on maximizing commercial returns, leaving behind concrete jungles instead of thoughtfully designed communities.
What’s encouraging, however, is that some foreign investors in the real estate sector are setting a far more responsible example. Their developments often include adequate green zones, community infrastructure, and long-term planning — all of which should be standard practice, not exceptions.
Recently, Eighteen Housing in Islamabad hosted a golf tournament. This sport needs more than enough green space. This shows that foreign players in real estate are setting better examples by incorporating sustainable practices and creating ecological balance. However, the unchecked development not only disrupts urban planning but also deprives future generations of a liveable environment.
While regulatory bodies must support economic activity, they must also do their part to enforce sustainable development standards. It is disheartening to see some authorities appear more focused on extracting revenues or working hand-in-hand with non-compliant developers, rather than ensuring that environmental and zoning regulations are upheld.
If Pakistan’s real estate sector is to flourish in a meaningful and responsible way, it must be built on transparency, sustainability, and long-term vision — not just short-term profits. Sustainable development should not be an afterthought — it must be a core principle guiding all future real estate projects.
Shahzeb Hammad
Islamabad
