Saiban is a Karachi-based NGO that develops initially unserviced plot settlements. The residents make shacks and pay for the land in instalments over a five-year period. They get together to develop their own neighbourhood water and sewage infrastructure and build their homes incrementally. Meanwhile, Saiban with payment received from the plot owners develops the trunk infrastructure and gets NGOs to develop the social infrastructure such as schools, health clinics, parks and community centres. With its links with government organisations and transporters, it helps in establishing transport facilities for the settlement.
Saiban is planning to develop a site in Lahore on these principles. The site area is 17.18 acres (6.87 hectares). Saiban has already developed a concept plan for its project called “Saiban City Lahore”. The author offered to replan the settlement on the principles developed for the March 2010 Study IIED. Saiban agreed but it had certain definite requirements.