In an age of unpredictable weather and unchecked urban growth, the idea of a “resilient city”, introduced by urban planner David R. Godschalk, has become more than a planning concept; it has become a survival strategy. A resilient city is the need of the hour; it is a network of systems and communities that can absorb shocks without falling into chaos. It is designed not merely to resist disasters but to anticipate, adapt, and recover from them.

For Pakistan, one of the ten countries most affected by climate disasters, resilience is a national need. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) took an important step in 2013 with its National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy. The focus rightly shifted from emergency response and reactive disaster management to prevention and preparedness. This approach is now backed by the Asian Development Bank, which approved a $500 million loan in 2024 to strengthen climate and disaster resilience across the country.

Islamabad is often seen as the most resilient city in Pakistan. Its planned zoning, lower density, and green cover offer natural protection against extreme events. But the capital is not without challenges. A 2025 Urban Unit report found that unplanned expansion and illegal construction along waterways are increasing flood risks. The port city of Karachi faces even greater strain, with fragile........

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