An Islamic perspective on the Sustainable Development Goals: exploring key challenges from the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project

Projects are typically viewed as mechanisms for delivering products and services; however, this study examines projects from the distinct perspective of grand challenges (GCs). The selected case is the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project in Lahore, Pakistan—a grand challenge project (GCP). This research investigates how an Islamic perspective intersects with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of GCPs in Pakistan, a Muslim-majority country. The study also explores more broadly the difficulties encountered by GCPs in developing countries. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, visual materials (videos and images), and archival documents, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that all SDGs focusing on people, prosperity, planet, peace, and partnerships are consistent with Islamic principles. The study also identifies key challenges faced by such projects, including financial constraints, land acquisition issues, political instability, policy discontinuity, economic volatility, procedural inconsistencies, and regulatory rigidity. This research contributes to the GCs literature by highlighting the relevance of Islamic perspectives in the implementation and alignment of SDGs.