Assessing urban land administration capacity to achieve 2030 agenda for sustainable development in Pakistan

The Urban Land Administration System (LAS) includes land tenure, value, use, and development and has significant social, fiscal, legal, and technical implications. An outdated LAS can create challenges and obstacles to achieving sustainable societal development. In 2015, the United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure peace and prosperity for all by protecting the planet and ending poverty. This research aims to assess the capacity of urban LASs to achieve the SDGs related to land and property. The research methodology includes identifying the SDG targets and goals related to urban LAS, conducting an appraisal of existing urban LAS organizations in the study area and their challenges, and assessing SDGs in the context of urban LAS policies and legislative frameworks using a literature review and owner-buyer interviews based on a questionnaire.<br/>Pakistan's population rapidly grew from 132.35 million in 1998 to 241.5 million in 2023. The annual growth rate in urban areas is notably higher at 3.65 percent compared to rural areas' 1.9 percent, putting a considerable burden on existing manual LASs. There is a hybrid legislative framework for urban areas, including the British colonial system and the contemporary system.<br/>The results show that Pakistan falls behind in achieving most of the SDGs targets related to LAS. We interviewed 119 owner-buyers belonging to different LASs, and most of them faced difficulties while interacting with the LASs. Most believe computerization, GIS technology, and national/international standards can resolve issues and improve LAS efficiency. Pakistan has started LASs computerization, and achieving SDGs in the near future may be possible.<br/>