From Floods to Future Cities: Pakistan’s UN Pitch
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan has called for a new approach to urban development that combines climate resilience, social protection and youth empowerment, warning that rapid urban growth is creating new challenges for developing countries.
Addressing the United Nations High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda in New York, Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said cities must be redesigned to withstand climate shocks while creating opportunities for a growing young population.
He highlighted that Pakistan’s expanding urban centres are facing mounting pressure on housing, transport, public safety and environmental sustainability, making coordinated planning and investment increasingly important.
Rana Mashhood said Pakistan is working with UN-Habitat to formulate a National Urban Strategy focused on climate-resilient planning, particularly after devastating floods in 2025 that caused widespread losses.
He noted that more than 400,000 homes have been reconstructed for displaced families as part of post-flood recovery efforts, with the government aiming to incorporate sustainable standards into future housing policies.
The Pakistani delegation also highlighted efforts to develop cleaner urban mobility through affordable and low-emission public transport systems, along with expanded social protection initiatives supporting millions of vulnerable households.
Discussing urban safety, Rana Mashhood pointed to the role of Safe City Authorities in improving security through surveillance networks and integrated command systems.
He said Pakistan’s demographic reality, with young people making up nearly 67 percent of the population, presents both a challenge and an opportunity. He stressed that investment in education, skills, employment and entrepreneurship is essential to turning urban growth into economic progress.
The chairman also highlighted youth-focused initiatives, including the Uraan Pakistan programme, aimed at connecting young people with training, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
At the UN platform, Pakistan called for greater global cooperation on building inclusive, sustainable and resilient cities capable of meeting the challenges of climate change and rapid urbanisation.
