Islamabad is in the grip of severe challenges which emanate from unprecedented urbanisation in recent times. There are severe ecological imbalances, huge traffic congestion, air quality issues, and very high urban growth. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) of 1997 is quite inadequate to address these issues as it cannot cater to the contemporary demands including environmental integrity, climate change, and urban slums. This legal framework must be strengthened, and policies must be formulated for sustainable practices. For this purpose, the focus must be on the use of renewable energy and the proper disposal of solid waste. Islamabad which was once, "The Beautiful capital" is gradually losing its luster simply because the people have no ownership to keep their city clean and beautiful.
At government level certain measures can be helpful, for instance Public private partnerships can lead to generating funds for implementation of smart city projects. In this regard the role of Capital Development Authority cannot be denied. Inspiration can be drawn from the sustainable Development Goals for urban planning and development.
It is crucial that to meet the future needs attention should be paid to smart housing solutions like energy-efficient buildings and more use of smart technology. Local business should be promoted, and diverse avenues must be generated so that there can be more of job creation opportunities. Efficient water conservation strategies should also be stressed upon alongside. The amenities for all the communities must be on equal grounds in the city.
The smart city steps and community engagement initiatives can help in bolstering economic growth and create jobs
The public transport system must be made more robust to avert traffic congestion issues. It will also lead to improving the air quality because of low emissions. The use of electric buses and vehicles should be encouraged. Cycling culture must be imbibed upon. This keeps the people healthy and is also vital for overcoming air pollution issues, A separate cycling lane can be the way out. Solar panels in residential areas will assist in less dependence on fossil fuels and hence should be promoted. Modern ways of waste disposal and its collection must be adopted to keep the city clean. Green spaces and green belts must be maintained. They can serve as picnic spots for families on the holidays. However, the citizens ought to be watchful of the fact that they keep them clean. No wonder, the civic sense sans in our people which is a willful crime on their part. The walkways in most of the areas, unfortunately, are not at all well maintained. It must be nice to come out of homes and walk around and this would be possible if there were good landscape arrangements in the vicinity.
The marginalised and relegated segments of society can be offered online assistance for accessing different services like engaging with the local governance and reporting difficulties in their areas. Different forums, workshops, and seminars can help take the inputs for different development plans from the people. The smart city steps and community engagement initiatives can help in bolstering economic growth and create jobs. Incubation centers and technology parks can play an evocative role in this regard. The youth can be imparted training on different skills as per the demands of modern times and the emerging industry. By taking recourse to these things Islamabad can offer modern, democratic, integrated, and inclusive city life giving way to a secure and durable future for its local people.