The Orangi Pilot Project Research and Training Institute (OPPRTI) has proudly launched the “Urban Forest” campaign to honour the legacy of the visionary Shaheed Madam Parween Rehman, a champion of environmental justice, urban development, and marginalised communities’ rights.

Starting at the OPPRTI office, 300 diverse saplings have been planted in her memory, with plans to expand the Urban Forest initiative across Pakistan. This project is supported by environmentalist Masood Lohar, founder of the Clifton Urban Forest.

Working at the intersection of community welfare and urban sustainability, the Orangi Pilot Project is working to find ways to rehabilitate trees that are indigenous to Karachi.

🌳 Tree canopies are one of the most effective natural defences against the urban heat island effect — helping to cool our streets and create more liveable spaces during extreme heat. As part of the GKRP2047, we are exploring ways to improve quality of life in Karachi. Urban greening and tree planting will play a vital role in reaching these goals.

💡 How do you think Karachi’s future planning should include more greenery? Share your thoughts with us!

Learn more about OPPRTI here: http://www.opp.org.pk/

Learn more about the Urban Forest campaign: The Perween Rahman Urban Forest

Recent

April 2026 – What can data tell us about how a city truly works?

As part of the GKRP 2047 planning process, our team has been exploring the city through a data-driven lens 🔍— looking at how urban form, mobility, access to amenities, environmental conditions, and public spaces interact to shape everyday life.

Using spatial analytics and urban diagnostics, we are building a clearer picture of how the city functions today and where opportunities for improvement may lie — gradually layering urban intelligence into traditional GIS to move from mapping what exists to understanding how the city behaves. From understanding patterns of accessibility to examining the relationship between urban density, green spaces, and environmental exposure, this work helps turn complex datasets into meaningful insights for long-term planning.

The goal is simple but powerful: use evidence to guide better decisions, supporting a future city that is more resilient, inclusive and sustainable as we look toward 2047.

Behind every map and dataset is the same question: how can cities work better for the people who live in them?

January 2026 – Climate Week Karachi Engagement

The GKRP2047 team was active during Climate Week Karachi 2026. We were honoured to participate in a dedicated session hosted by the Climate Action Centre to introduce the Greater Karachi Regional Plan (GKRP) 2047.

The session featured a 30-minute presentation followed by an engaging and thoughtful Q&A, bringing together students, practitioners, and stakeholders to discuss the future of Karachi’s growth and resilience.

Held at Habib University Library, the discussion focused on the vision, objectives, and planning process of GKRP 2047, including ongoing research, citywide surveys, and avenues for public and stakeholder engagement. The session also highlighted how the plan will build upon and update the Karachi Strategic Development Plan 2020, responding to today’s climate, social, and urban challenges.

The exchange reinforced the importance of inclusive, evidence-based planning and meaningful dialogue in shaping a more climate-resilient, equitable and sustainable future for Karachi.

Thank you to the Climate Action Centre and all participants for the insightful discussion and valuable perspectives.

January 2026 – Climate Week Karachi | GKRP Engagement Session

As part of Climate Week Karachi 2026, we are pleased to share that Dar and Asian Consulting (JV) have been allocated a dedicated session by the Climate Action Centre to introduce the Greater Karachi Regional Plan (GKRP) 2047. The session will feature a 30-minute presentation followed by an interactive Q&A.

📅 Date: Friday, 30th January
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Venue: Habib University Library

Register here

In this session we will present the vision, objectives, and planning process of GKRP 2047, including ongoing research, citywide surveys, and opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement. The discussion will highlight how the plan will update the Karachi Strategic Development Plan 2020 and guide Karachi toward a more climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.