5 November

On November 5, 1987, the Government of Pakistan approved one of the largest informal settlement upgrading programs in South Asia, granting legal recognition and development support to thousands of low-income households living in Karachi's katchi abadis. The policy, supported by international urban development agencies, aimed to regularize slums, secure land titles for residents, and improve essential services including water supply, sanitation, electricity, and road access.With Karachi expanding rapidly due to migration and urbanization, nearly 40% of its population lived in informal settlements at the time. Instead of eviction-based approaches, the government adopted a 'site-and-services' model, allowing families to remain in place while introducing infrastructure upgrades and community-run housing committees. The initiative helped reduce informal housing insecurity and enabled residents to gradually improve their homes through self-financing and micro-credit support.Urban planners viewed the move as a pragmatic recognition of urban realities and a milestone in pro-poor housing policy, influencing similar projects in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.

On November 5, 1989, Singapore announced a major expansion to its Housing & Development Board (HDB) home-ownership model, creating policies that allowed low- and middle-income families to purchase improved public flats with government-backed financing. The initiative marked a new chapter in Singapore’s urban housing revolution, aimed at transitioning the nation from rental-based welfare housing to widespread homeownership.The upgraded scheme introduced affordable mortgage finance, longer repayment terms, and subsidized interest rates, helping workers secure property ownership in growing residential districts. It also prioritized community-centered planning with integrated schools, clinics, public parks, transport hubs, and neighborhood commercial centers to ensure balanced urban life. This policy shift drastically reduced informal settlements and lifted Singapore’s home-ownership rates above 85%, positioning the country as a global model of public-sector-driven housing development. Experts praised the reform for creating social stability, reducing inequality, and establishing long-term wealth creation pathways for working families.