Pakistani architect and town planner Arif Hasan is well known for his involvement in designing low-income settlement programmes, for which he has set up an independent initiative in Karachi. He talks to SHAHID HUSAIN about various aspects of Karachi's development
On flaws with Karachi's master plan It was formulated without any detailed background study. There is confusion regarding land-use plans, housing parameters, transport and other housing-related issues. Besides, the state as well as the city district government's present projects needed to be included in the plan. Town Planning officials carried out an extensive review by talking to various people to sort out the confusion. But the absence of a background study has affected implementation.
On alternative master plan I haven't presented an alternative plan. I have been misreported by the press. I support the authorities' master plan as far as concepts are concerned.My only problem with the master plan is that it doesn't have any perspective on huge 'development' projects such as Sugarland city and commercialization of the coastal belt. Such projects go against the spirit of the plan.
On the way out We have to adopt the following principles of planning
Planning should respect ecology of the area where urban centres will come up
Land use should be determined on the basis of social and environmental considerations and not on the basis of value alone
Planning should give priority to the needs of the majority of population which in case of Asia are low and lower-middle income communities
Planning must respect and promote cultural heritage of communities. Clear-cut zoning bylaws should be developed.
On transparency Since 1958 (when Ayub Khan staged a coup) there has been no system of accountability in public development. The entire system today is based on coercion and manipulation. The history between 1947 and 1958 was very ugly but there was a semblance of democracy.