Islamabad, (TW News) – United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Shehersaaz Pakistan, celebrated World Cities Day 2025 and the 65th Anniversary of Islamabad Master Plan. The theme for this year’s observance “People-Centered Smart Cities” emphasizes the importance of putting people at the heart of urban innovation.

The World Cities Day event highlighted how Pakistan’s cities can use innovation and technology to improve public services, build climate resilience, and enhance citizen participation in urban governance. Bringing together representatives from government, academia, and civil society, the discussion also reflected on Islamabad’s journey from visionary planning to modern challenges, outlining pathways to make it a model of smart, inclusive, and sustainable urban development.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, Senior Advisor and Habitat Programme Manager, UN-Habitat Pakistan, said, across Pakistan, we have witnessed how climate impacts such as floods, heatwaves, and water shortages expose the vulnerabilities of our urban environments. These realities remind us that smart solutions must also be resilient solutions integrating climate adaptation, efficient land use, and sustainable resource management. He added that UN-Habitat, in collaboration with national and local governments, continues to advance initiatives promoting climate-resilient settlement planning, green building codes and guidelines, rainwater harvesting, and inclusive urban design.

In his keynote address, Mr. M. Ali Randhawa, Chairman, Capital Development Authority, emphasized that the observance of World Cities Day is both a moment of reflection and a call to action. “This celebration is not only about honoring Islamabad’s visionary planning but also about shaping the next generation of urban growth to be smarter, greener, and more inclusive,” He noted that CDA has initiated number of development projects including electric buses to promote clean and affordable public transport and is developing a bicycle route network across Islamabad to encourage safe, sustainable mobility. He also emphasized that new sectors like C-14, C-15, C-16, D-13, E-13, F-13, Margalla Enclave will be an addition to meet residential needs of the city. The legacy of Islamabad reminds us that planned urbanization can offer both beauty and balance when guided by foresight and people’s needs.

Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, Inspector General of Police, Islamabad Capital Territory, highlighted that the ICT Police is working tirelessly to make Islamabad a safe and smart city integrating smart surveillance, intelligent transport, air quality monitoring, and digital public services into a unified urban management system. He also shared implementation progress of the Safe City Project which ensures full coverage, improved citizen facilitation, and enhanced emergency response.

Ms. Almas Shakoor, Executive Director, Shehersaaz, stressed that cities must be planned and managed with climate adaptation at their core and emphasized civic responsibility and behavioral change as key to achieving sustainable urban living. During the technical session, participants engaged in insightful discussions on Islamabad’s urban growth and regeneration, the implementation of the People’s Framework for Sustainable Cities, strategies for water conservation, strengthening local governance, fostering innovation and collaboration, enhancing urban mobility, and improving solid waste management systems.

The World Cities Day 2025 observance concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to build cities and human settlements that not only withstand the challenges of climate change but also offer hope, dignity, and opportunity for all. The day ended with “Islamabad Sheher Mela” a people-centered urban festival showcasing smart city solutions, cultural performances, local food stalls, and family activities. The Mela celebrated the spirit of inclusive, vibrant, and livable cities, encouraging citizens to take pride in shaping Islamabad’s sustainable urban future.