Citizens from all walks of life including government officials, academia, civil society and urban planners came together for the celebration of World Habitat Day 2012 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Following the framework of the new Habitat initiative, UN-Habitat and the Government of Pakistan celebrated the global event nationally in 4 cities with a focus on future cities as engines of economic growth and smarter, safer cities for all.

The event was celebrated in all the major cities of Pakistan with the host city Islamabad being acknowledged as the model city. Cities celebrated World Habitat Day 2012 with the announcement of the new urban growth strategy becoming part of the country’s development policy. Panelists and participants recognized the role of cities in sustainable development and future economic growth and the need to strengthen the World Habitat initiative.

Pakistan’s most densely urban city of Karachi ranks among the top 20 most populous cities in the world. 36% of Pakistan’s population of 180 million is now living in urban areas. 74% of this urban population lives in slums. The state of its urban cities is less than ideal with the entire country suffering from a critical energy crisis, water shortage, uncertain safety and security situation and poor governance.