Sustainable development of urban informal settlements in Pakistan: case of economic activities within the informal settlements.

The housing scene in Pakistan during past few decades has become dominated by informal settlements. A lack of low income housing gave birth to the illegal settlements all over Pakistan comprising mostly low income households. Karachi in the past has faced high migration rates due political and economic turmoils both national and international. Apart from housing, informal settlements have small manufacturing units, retail and service industries. Over the years residents of informal settlements have started to upgrade and improve their surrounding environment with approval from government in most cases. The residents are expected to fund their own development schemes, hence the existence of economic enterprises within informal settlements and their contribution towards a lasting sustainable environment is the context of this research. The aim, therefore, is to 'investigate relationships between economic activities within informal settlements in urban areas of Pakistan and their links with the sustainable development process'. An extensive literature review was carried out and three conceptual case studies discussed with emphasis on current development planning. From the literature review it was found that legal backing is a key component for sustainable development processes. Main case studies from two cities: Karachi and Faisalabad were conducted. The data from the two sets was analysed and a visible link between economic enterprises and development initiatives was found. A detailed analysis of various stakeholders was also carried out to understand the capacity and capability of each one in terms of sustainable development initiatives. This research concludes that economic activities taking place within informal settlements are vital for the environmental development and ultimately sustainable development of the informal settlements. Recommendations following this outcome have been proposed for future sustainable plans. The use of this research can be extended towards developing and formulating new housing policies for other urban areas of Pakistan and for areas that have been destroyed by natural calamities. The incorporation of economic activities and livelihood opportunities within housing settlements would help in raising the affected communities from poverty