The Department of Sociology at Fatima Jinnah Women University organized a seminar on Urban Sociology: Issues and Debates with a Focus on Pakistan as part of the MPhil course in Urban Sociology, bringing together academics, researchers and practitioners to examine the complex challenges of urbanization in Pakistan.
Speakers and attendees engaged in discussions on faith and belonging in urban spaces, the need to redefine development priorities for Pakistani cities, and pathways to sustainable urban futures. The seminar foregrounded local perspectives on social inclusion, governance and planning while considering how communities negotiate identity within rapidly changing urban environments.
The event featured distinguished contributors including Mr Idrees Burhan, CEO and founder of Enabling Ways Consultants Pvt Ltd, Ms Nabeela Irum, sociologist and visiting faculty at Fatima Jinnah Women University, and Dr Anita M Weiss, professor emerita at the University of Oregon, USA. Their presentations and exchanges connected academic research with on-the-ground practice and policy implications for Pakistani cities.
Organisers emphasized that advancing Urban Sociology research and dialogue is essential to support SDG 11 on sustainable cities and SDG 16 on peace and strong institutions. Participants agreed on the importance of continued collaboration between universities, practitioners and policymakers to guide inclusive, sustainable urban development across Pakistan.
