Pakistan has been facing rapid urbanization since its independence from British rule in 1947. As a consequence, the large cities in Pakistan such as Lahore, are facing an acute shortage of housing, particularly for the low income group.  In Lahore, with a current population of nine million and a growth rate of 3.5 percent, approximately 300,000 people are added every year. Out of these around 80 percent are forced to find shelter in slums and squatter settlements, locally known as Katchi Abadis. The planned housing stock developed by the Lahore Development Authority and the private sector developers caters for the high and middle income only.