Building a home is a lifelong dream for many, but in Pakistan, it often feels like navigating a nightmare. Poor construction practices, skyrocketing costs, and a lack of sustainable design have made homebuilding an overwhelming challenge.
In a country where climate change is worsening and economic struggles are leaving many unemployed, the way homes are built needs to change. That realisation led to the creation of Mehraz—a movement aimed at revolutionising home design in Pakistan.
A Journey from Excellence to Innovation
Before stepping into the field of architecture, Muhammad Saqib Rana had already developed a problem-solving mindset, securing the first position in Intermediate Computer Science at the Lahore Board BISE while studying at Punjab University. But rather than following a conventional path, he was always drawn to tackling real-world challenges.
Architecture seemed like the perfect blend of creativity and logic, a field where he could make a lasting impact. However, once he entered the profession, he quickly realised that traditional architecture was out of reach for most Pakistanis.
Under Mehraz, after the deadly 2022 Pakistan Floods, he provided free architectural expertise and designed low-cost, flood-resilient, and eco-friendly homes for locals.
The reality of the job market was harsh. Long hours, underpaid work, and little room for creativity made it clear that the field needed a new approach. More importantly, homeowners were suffering—forced to choose between expensive architectural services or inefficient, poorly designed spaces that wasted energy, money, and resources. This was a system that needed disruption.
Left : Gold Medal Awarded at BISE, Lahore Position Award Ceremony, 2018, Right : Mehraz’s Eco-friendly, flood-resilient homes initiative
The Problem: Pakistan’s Broken Construction Industry
Pakistan’s construction industry is plagued by outdated methods and short-term thinking. Houses are built with poor insulation, leading to extreme indoor temperatures that increase reliance on air conditioning and contribute to massive energy waste. Cheap materials and rushed labour result in structural weaknesses, with homes that deteriorate quickly instead of lasting for generations.
Beyond that, climate change is already taking its toll. Rising temperatures, unpredictable monsoons, and growing energy shortages mean that homes must be built smarter, not just bigger. Yet, most people still follow the same inefficient designs, unaware of the long-term costs.
At the same time, unemployment is a growing crisis. With limited job opportunities, especially for young professionals, many talented architects and construction workers find themselves underpaid or unemployed. The entire system needs innovation—something that makes home design more accessible while also creating economic opportunities.
The Birth of Mehraz: A Smarter Way to Build
Mehraz was born out of the idea that home design shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be a right. The platform is designed to provide a structured, affordable, and sustainable way to build homes. By combining digital accessibility with expert planning, Mehraz makes high-quality architecture available to everyone, not just the elite.
Here’s how Mehraz is changing the game:
- Smart Home Designs – Pre-designed plans based on Pakistan’s most common plot sizes, ensuring efficient use of space and materials.
- Customizable Layouts – Homeowners can tweak designs to fit their needs without skyrocketing costs.
- Sustainable Solutions – Homes are designed with proper ventilation, natural lighting, and energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact and electricity bills.
- Job Creation – By streamlining the architectural process, Mehraz connects skilled architects and construction workers with more opportunities, boosting employment in the industry.
Rethinking Home Design for a Better Future
Beyond affordability and convenience, Mehraz is pushing for a shift in mindset—one where sustainability and long-term value matter more than just quick, cheap construction.
Imagine homes that stay cooler in the summer without relying on excessive air conditioning. Homes that use materials meant to last, reducing waste and unnecessary rebuilding. Homes designed with climate change in mind, preparing Pakistan for a future where energy conservation will be critical.
Every home built through Mehraz is a step toward a more sustainable Pakistan, a country where housing isn’t just about walls and roofs but about smarter living, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Pakistan’s Architecture
As 2025 approaches, Mehraz is gearing up for its official launch. The journey so far has been filled with challenges—financial struggles, unreliable hires, and moments of doubt. But every setback has been a lesson, and every lesson has fuelled the drive to push forward.
This isn’t just a business. It’s a revolution.
Pakistan is changing, and so must the way homes are built. Mehraz is more than a startup—it’s a movement toward a smarter, more sustainable future. It’s proof that success doesn’t come from waiting for opportunities but from creating them.
This is the beginning of something bigger—something that will change the way Pakistan builds homes for generations to come.
