In and amongst the talk about ‘Eco and Smart Cities’, we need to develop meaningful targets that are relevant for us here in Botswana and use these to help inform everything we do. While technology is no substitute for good urban planning and design, we also need to consider the use of technology and the way in which it can help deliver innovative solutions which deliver real value for our communities. The results of the current survey will help us in our work with policymakers, to focus on the areas where we need to strengthen and build capacity.
3.4 PAKISTAN
Mr Kalim Siddiqui, Chairman, Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners Pakistan has seen an increase in the number of Architectural schools (from 10 to 35) during the last 10 years both in public as well as private sector. This growth of Architectural programs in the country has caused a serious dearth of quality teachers. To fulfil the accreditation criteria fresh architectural graduates or architects with a few years professional experience are being hired by the universities on low salaries and contract terms without any benefits. Most of the Architectural schools lack qualified teaching professionals. The country lacks quality architectural education and training opportunities for professional development in academia as well as in professional practice. The institutions are not producing competent built environment professionals with desired technical skills for addressing the country’s growing urban/rural problems. The country has not yet developed strong professional institutions. There is an Institute of Architects and Institute of Planners, but both are under-resourced and run by professional Architects and Planners on a voluntary basis. Architects are concentrated in four provincial capitals of Pakistan hence leaving rural areas unattended and at mercy of the nonprofessionals. Mostly architects are working for the elite class in Pakistan. The middle and lower middle class are unable to afford the services of an architect and most of the time contractors/builders are filling this gap. The survey findings clearly show a need for Pakistan to be supported in strengthening its built environment institutions and for professionals to play their role in the country’s urban/rural development and being able to increase their outreach to the entire country as well as to compete internationally. Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP) has initiated its own survey of the profession in the country, the findings of which will be published in due course. We are confident that these initiatives, that are being taken for the first time, will help ensure the regulation of academia and the profession, as we work towards strategic planning to deal with all aspects of the built environment.
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Planning for climate change and rapid urbanisation