ISLAMABAD: Construction and environmental experts have called for an urgent shift toward sustainable building practices, warning that traditional construction methods are worsening climate vulnerabilities and putting Pakistan’s future resilience at risk.

Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad, experts urged the government to promote green construction through tax incentives, supportive regulations and financing mechanisms that can accelerate the adoption of durable and environment friendly infrastructure.

Industry specialists highlighted how advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, smart building systems and data driven design can reduce energy waste, cut emissions and make structures more resilient against extreme weather and climate shocks.

Experts also stressed the need to make rainwater harvesting a standard feature in urban construction, saying it could help ease pressure on groundwater resources while reducing flood risks in densely populated cities. They argued that integrating such measures into building bylaws could offer a practical response to growing environmental challenges.

Participants pointed to financial barriers as a major obstacle to green construction, noting that while sustainable buildings may involve higher upfront costs, they generate long term savings through lower energy, water and maintenance expenses. They called for easier access to green financing and policy support to make adoption viable.

The seminar underscored a growing push to align Pakistan’s construction sector with climate adaptation goals, with experts warning that without immediate reforms, urban development could deepen environmental risks rather than help solve them. The message was clear that sustainable construction is no longer optional but a necessity.