This evolving project investigates the deep‑rooted socio‑spatial inequalities that shape low‑income housing across rapidly urbanising regions, using Pakistan as a focal lens in context of South Asia. Building on extensive fieldwork in informal settlements in Lahore, the project examines how slum and squatter communities navigate insecure land tenure, inadequate infrastructure, and exclusionary planning practices. These insights are complemented by broader analyses of rapid urbanisation patterns and the structural challenges that prevent the delivery of safe, affordable, and resilient housing at scale.
A key contribution of this work maps the complex ecosystem of actors involved in low-income housing provision. Through stakeholder analysis, including the development of the Malik ISCs Model, the project identifies how power relations, resource asymmetries, and coordination gaps shape decision‑making and long‑term housing outcomes. Further studies interrogate the collaboration barriers facing government agencies, private developers, NGOs, and local communities, revealing how fragmentation and limited capacity hinder sustainable, community‑centred development.
The project, developed by Dr Sana Malik, has now expanded through collaborative partnerships with UK institutions, including the University of Birmingham and policy think tanks such as the Centre for the New Midlands. These collaborations enrich the project’s comparative dimension by integrating UK perspectives on housing governance, urban policy, and inclusive development. Working with these partners enables the translation of research findings into evidence‑informedpolicy recommendations, contributes to wider debates on global housing inequalities, and strengthens pathways for applied impact both in Pakistan and the UK.
Together, this body of work forms a long‑term research agenda aimed at improving the sustainability, equity, and inclusivity of housing policy. It advances new frameworks for stakeholder engagement, supports capacity building among local actors, and generates actionable insights for governments and organisations working toward more socially just urban futures.
If you wish to know more about the project or discuss about potential collaboration, please contact Dr Sana Malik sana.malik@bcu.ac.uk.
Related Publications:
Malik, S. (2025). Mapping stakeholder role and influence: Malik ISCs model for sustainable provision of low-income housing. Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Engineering and Architecture, 16(1), 1-18.
Malik, S. (2024). Exploring resource-wise stakeholder engagements for low-income housing development in urban punjab, Pakistan. Journal of Urban Management, 13(2), 201-216.
Malik, S., & Nurunnabi, M. (2024). Stakeholders’ perspective on collaboration barriers in low-income housing provision: a case study from pakistan. Humanities and social sciences communications, 11(1), 1-13.
Malik, S., Roosli, R., & Tariq, F. (2020). Investigation of informal housing challenges and issues: experiences from slum and squatter of Lahore. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 35(1), 143-170.
Malik, S., & Wahid, J. (2014). Rapid urbanization: Problems and challenges for adequate housing in Pakistan.