Geospatial Intelligence for Climate-Responsive Development: Policy Gap Analysis and Digital Monitoring of Development Patterns in Naran, Pakistan

Ar. Sadaf Raja; Ar. Amal  Azam

doi:10.36902/sjesr-vol9-iss2-2026(28-36)

Ar. Sadaf Raja Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, College of Art and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Ar. Amal Azam Associate Architect at Housing Innovation Lab (HIL), a Research-driven Initiative focused on Climate-responsive, Low-cost Housing Solutions in Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36902/sjesr-vol9-iss2-2026(28-36)

Keywords: Spatial Decision Support Systems, Climate-Responsive Development, Policy Gap Analysis

Abstract

This paper, critically explores gaps in existing development policies in consideration of recent climatic challenges faced by Naran, KPK region in Pakistan. Known for its diverse landscape features, including forests, mountains, valleys and lakes; Naran is breath of fresh air for the eyes of anyone visiting the region. However, over the recent years, these features have been overshadowed by the increasing uncontrolled development patterns including: roads, hotels and commercial infrastructure in order to accommodate the increasing influx of visitors and locals alike.

The built and natural environment is influenced by the needs and impacts over time, at any place. Precisely how it has been a cause of forestation decline in case of Naran, with the alarming drop of 12% over 10-year period ranging from 2010 to 2020 [1]. As a result, the region has faced flash floods and other climatic changes. The need is to not seize development but to adapt and enable it to better coexist not only with the landform but also the meteorological conditions.

As the climatic decline puts not only the future development but also the existing development at risk. The outcome of this research proposes a phasal evaluation and implementation plan, which includes:

1- Evaluation of existing infrastructure and landscape through existing GIS based data

2- Proposing policies that reduce the gap between existing policies, paired with a conceptual digital monitoring system that enables policy implementation.