ISLAMABAD: Experts have warned that Pakistan’s construction sector must urgently shift towards modern and environmentally friendly practices to effectively cope with the impacts of climate change, cautioning that failure to do so could intensify environmental and economic challenges in the coming years.
They expressed these views while speaking at a webinar held by EMPAK Strategies on the occasion of World Earth Day.
Saeed Aftab Gilani, Chief Operating Officer and Airport Manager at Islamabad International Airport, who has extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure management, said that Pakistan does not lack policies; rather, the real challenge lies in their implementation.
He emphasised the need for a clear transition from “policy to implementation” to promote green buildings and sustainable construction.
Mr Gilani added that modern technologies such as AI-based building management systems and public transport initiatives represent positive steps in this direction.
Dr Muhammad Arshad, an expert in water resource management and climate planning with over 25 years of experience, highlighted that water scarcity is a critical issue for Pakistan and stressed that rainwater harvesting has become an urgent necessity.
He urged that rainwater harvesting systems be made a mandatory component in urban construction to help address water shortages.
Arshad Dad, Chief Advisor of the Constructors Association of Pakistan, who has over four decades of experience in the construction sector, underscored that the biggest barrier to promoting green buildings is the lack of financial resources.
He noted that energy-efficient buildings are beneficial in the long run, but their high initial costs make them difficult for developers and individuals to adopt.
He also called for modernisation in the agriculture sector, pointing out that since 93 percent of the country’s water is consumed by agriculture, reforms in this sector are essential.
Participants of the webinar agreed that the government should introduce incentives such as tax relief, subsidies, and easy financing to promote green construction.
They also recommended launching model green building projects to raise public awareness and provide practical examples.
The experts further stressed the need for strict enforcement of construction regulations and greater transparency in relevant institutions to achieve sustainable development goals.
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