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Orangi Pilot Project
- Abiha,
- Pakistan
- Residents of Orangi Town
- February 1, 2026
Situation
In Karachi, Orangi Town—one of Asia’s largest informal settlements—emerged from mass refugee influx following Pakistan’s partitions. Generations later, residents still faced land insecurity as government authorities reclaimed territory citing a lack of formal ownership documents.
Assignment
The Orangi Pilot Project launched a grassroots effort enabling communities to map their own homes and neighbourhoods. These attested maps became vital evidence of long-term residence, helping protect families from displacement and strengthening their right to the city.
Approach
Working alongside OPP, neighbourhood teams—already trained in manual and digital mapping—guided a collaborative documentation process. Local mappers led fieldwork, demonstrated mapping techniques, and supported peer training to expand community capacity. Together, detailed spatial records were produced on paper and digitally, building a shared archive of lived geography.
Result
The completed maps were integrated into Orangi Town’s official archive, becoming critical proof of residence for thousands of households. This community-owned documentation has strengthened land claims, reduced displacement risk, and reinforced residents’ long-standing presence in the city they helped shape.