Bridging the Gap: An Exploratory Study of Integrated Facilities Management Practices in Pakistan

Facilities Management (FM) remains poorly understood in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in terms of its strategic importance. Because of this, the concept of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) has yet to find a solid footing in most organisational settings. In many cases, FM-related work happens in isolation,without coordination across strategic, tactical, and operational levels. To explore this issue more closely, feedback was gathered from 21 FM professionals working in various sectors, including manufacturing, real estate, healthcare, and banking. Their responses revealed that awareness of IFM is generally low, and many organisations are not set up in a way that supports its implementation. Challenges like limited training, a reluctance to change, and compartmentalised working styles were frequently mentioned. That said, a positive trend is emerging. Many FM professionals are starting to realise the importance of leadership involvement, clear organisational structures, skill development, and the use of digital tools to improve their departments.This study hopes to add to the conversation by highlighting these patterns and offering practical insights that could support a more integrated and forward-thinking approach to FM in Pakistan.