The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised concerns about the declining livability of cities in Pakistan, citing increasing inefficiencies and low scores on competitiveness indexes due to congestion, unattractiveness, and pollution. The findings were part of the “Pakistan National Urban Assessment Report,” launched on Monday.
The report highlights that most urban centers in Pakistan lack designated downtown areas to foster economic, social, and cultural activities. Green spaces are dwindling, with greening projects primarily concentrated in affluent areas. Public spaces are also shrinking as urban authorities sell public property to meet financial needs, often influenced by a politician-developer nexus.
Emma Xiaoqin Fan, ADB Country Director, emphasized that Pakistan’s rapid urban population growth is exacerbating urbanization challenges. With the urban population projected to reach 99 million, or 40% of the total population, by 2030, the pressure on cities with inadequate infrastructure and services will intensify. ADB plans to support balanced urbanization by developing climate-resilient infrastructure to improve municipal services in intermediate cities.
The report criticizes the fragmented land use planning and management across multiple organizations with overlapping functions, which fails to provide cohesive social and economic opportunities for urban residents. It recommends that cities use new or updated master plans to direct land use towards sustainable pathways and address the drivers controlling land access.
The report also notes significant differences in urbanization issues across Pakistan’s provinces and major cities. Karachi’s population nearly doubled over two decades leading to 2022, while Lahore’s grew by 138%. The report suggests easing demographic pressure on these cities by developing alternative urban centers and improving rural socioeconomic conditions.
City-Specific Challenges:
Karachi: Class division is a major issue, with elites living in cantonment areas and low-income residents in Karachi East. The city is divided along religious and ethnic lines, leading to violence. Karachi is expanding vertically due to limited land and housing needs.
Lahore: Uncontrolled sprawl is a challenge, with the city absorbing agricultural fields through uncoordinated housing schemes. Many developments are illegal, and the city missed the opportunity to use its Ring Road as an economic corridor.
Peshawar: The merger of KP and tribal areas has doubled Peshawar’s population from 1998 to 2017. The KP Urban Policy 2030 guides development, and the BRT line has improved traffic and mobility.
Quetta: Threatened by climate change, Quetta receives limited international support and lacks collaboration with other provinces. Private investment is scarce, and no public-private partnerships are planned.
Islamabad: Designed as a low-rise city, Islamabad faces pressure to deviate from its plan due to housing demand. Institutional issues persist, with agencies acting as rivals instead of cooperating under a central authority.
Prof. Spiro N. Pollalis, lead author of the report, stated that Pakistan is at a critical juncture, with urban aggregation as a key driver of development being challenged by failing public services, declining quality of life, and reduced economic productivity.
