Peshawar, [29 May 2025] — In Pakistan, urban slums are facing severe challenges, including overcrowding, inadequate housing, limited access to basic services, poor water and sanitation infrastructure, unhygienic living conditions due to inadequate solid waste management, frequent flooding, the threat of evictions, lack of livelihood skills. These slums are home to some of Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations including large numbers of Afghan refugees living alongside marginalized host communities. In response to these challenges, UN-Habitat with the support of Government of Netherlands launched a project to improve living conditions and promote peaceful coexistence in these underserved urban environments.

To kick off the initiative, UN-Habitat organized an Introductory Workshop for stakeholder in Peshawar. The workshop brought together key provincial officials, local government representatives, UN staff, media, district administration Accademia, Peshawar Development Authority, P&D, WSSP, and civil society organizations to provide an overview of the project, gather feedback, and establish a framework for coordination.

In his opening remarks, the Mr. Hamid Mumtaz, Deputy Program Manager, UN-Habitat Pakistan highlighted that the project aims to transform informal settlements into more sustainable and equitable urban neighborhoods. He emphasized the need to establish a collaborative forum to discuss urban challenges and exchange best practices. This project offers an opportunity to pilot innovative solutions in informal settlements, aiming to improve the living conditions of the urban poor.

The Additional Deputy Commissioners from Kohat and Haripur proposed the inclusion of other underserved areas in the project to ensure broader impact. The event was also graced by Mina Khan Afridi, Provincial Minister for Higher Education, Archives, and Libraries, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Director CAR, Engr. Imran, expressed his gratitude to the participants and thanked UN-Habitat for organizing the workshop.

Mr. M. Sadiq, Provincial Coordinator, UN-Habitat, Pakistan explained that the project emphasizes joint ownership of the development process. While UN-Habitat will implement the projects all components with participation form the community. It will utilize its people process where communities are at the center of the whole process, long-term success will depend on continued investment from local and provincial governments, residents, and landowners alike. He also shared the achievements of the project so far and appraised participants that baseline assessment is underway in the project’s first phase. This includes community mapping, documenting service gaps, identifying local economic activities, and assessing opportunities for environmental and infrastructural improvements.

During the discussion, stakeholders emphasized on the need for improved coordination among line departments, better access to basic services, and stronger community engagement mechanisms. It was also proposed to establish the coordination mechanism in districts. To implement the sectoral plans, committees have been formed in each district, the coordination with those committees will be highly beneficial.  Participants also stressed the importance of integrating local knowledge and ensuring that the voices of women, youth, and marginalized groups are reflected in planning and implementation.

Contact Details:

For more information please contact:

Ms. Faiqa Aziz

Communication Officer, UN-Habitat

faiqa.aziz@un.org

About the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. It is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat’s vision of “urbanization” encompasses all levels of human settlements, including small rural communities, villages, market towns, immediate cities and large cities and metropolises.

Website: https://unhabitat.org.pk/

LinkedIn: UN-Habitat, Pakistan – For Safe, Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Cities: Overview | LinkedIn