Pakistani architect leads global urban planning efforts
Pakistani architect Sardar Mohammad Jahangir Khan Sherpao. Photo: APP
Amid chaotic urban growth and mounting infrastructure challenges, Pakistani architect Sardar Mohammad Jahangir Khan Sherpao has emerged as a global voice for strategic and inclusive city planning. As International President of the Eastern Regional Organization for Planning and Human Settlements (EAROPH) — an influential NGO accredited by UN-ESCAP and UN-HABITAT — he is leading key discussions on sustainable urban development across the Asia-Pacific.
Sherpao previously served as President of the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) from 2017 to 2019 — a landmark achievement for Pakistan that underscored the country's increasing role in shaping urban futures across Asia. In an exclusive interview with APP, he stressed that "urban planning is not a luxury — it's a necessity," warning that without immediate action, Pakistan faces a severe urban crisis driven by unplanned growth, overburdened infrastructure, housing shortages, and traffic gridlock.
Despite these challenges, Sherpao remains optimistic. "Pakistan can still become a regional model of urban development — but only if we act now," he said. Representing Pakistan at EAROPH, established in 1957 and headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, he has worked extensively with planners, policymakers, and urban experts from across the Asia-Pacific, including Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Pacific region.
Sherpao pointed to missed opportunities in Pakistan, noting Islamabad's original promise as a planned capital designed by Greek architect Constantinos Apostolou Doxiades. He warned, however, that the city also risks losing its planning advantage if sprawl continues unchecked.
Returning recently from Malaysia, Sherpao shared insights from a presentation by the country's Ministry of Housing on its innovative use of 150 daily updated urban data dashboards to aid real-time decision-making. He urged similar initiatives in Pakistan, backed by training, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.