The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised concerns about the deteriorating livability and increasing inefficiency in Pakistan’s urban centers. According to the ADB’s “Pakistan National Urban Assessment Report”, launched on Monday, cities in the country are grappling with issues such as congestion, pollution, and low scores on various competitiveness indexes, reflecting their diminishing appeal and functionality.
Shrinking public spaces and urban fragmentation
The report highlights the alarming trend of shrinking public spaces in Pakistan’s cities, driven by the sale of valuable urban land to meet the growing financial demands of local authorities. This land sale, often influenced by political and developer interests, is exacerbating the already scarce availability of green spaces. The few existing green areas are primarily concentrated in affluent neighbourhoods, leaving the majority of urban residents with limited access to communal outdoor spaces.
Adding to these challenges, the report criticises the lack of a designated downtown area in most Pakistani cities, which inhibits the development of economic, social, and cultural hubs. The fragmentation of land-use planning across numerous organisations with overlapping responsibilities further complicates effective urban management. Without a capable and centralised coordinating authority, cities fail to offer cohesive social and economic opportunities to their residents.
Rising urban population and infrastructure deficits
ADB Country Director Emma Xiaoqin Fan emphasised the immense strain Pakistan’s rapid urbanisation is placing on already underdeveloped urban infrastructure. By 2030, Pakistan’s urban population is expected to swell to 99 million, or 40 per cent of the total population, heightening the need for robust municipal services and infrastructure.
Fan reiterated the ADB’s commitment to supporting balanced urbanisation, particularly through the development of climate-resilient infrastructure that can enhance the delivery of high-quality municipal services, especially in intermediate cities. However, the report stresses that without immediate action, cities will face worsening deficits in infrastructure and services, making them even less livable.
Diverging urbanisation challenges across cities
While urban centres across Pakistan face shared challenges, the ADB report points out key differences in the urbanisation issues confronting the country’s largest cities.
Karachi: a city divided by class and geography
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, suffers from pronounced class division, with the wealthy residing in cantonment areas and private housing societies, while lower-income groups are largely concentrated in Karachi Central and East. Additionally, the city’s growth is constrained by its limited land availability, forcing it to expand vertically in certain areas to meet housing demands. Karachi’s division along religious and ethnic lines has further fueled social tensions, resulting in outbreaks of violence over the years.
Lahore: unchecked urban sprawl
Lahore, the second-largest city, is facing uncontrolled urban sprawl as it absorbs surrounding agricultural land without coherent central planning. Many housing schemes are unregulated and illegal, further straining the city’s resources. The report notes that Lahore missed a significant opportunity to transform its newly constructed Ring Road into an economic corridor, which could have contributed to the local economy.
Peshawar: coping with migration and demographic pressure
Peshawar has been grappling with intense demographic pressure, particularly after the merger of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) with the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The city’s population doubled between 1998 and 2017, driven by migration from tribal areas. While the city’s infrastructure is gradually improving, thanks to the operationalisation of the first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line in 2020, the report notes that Peshawar’s urban challenges will continue to grow unless long-term planning is implemented effectively.
Quetta: limited support and climate threats
Quetta faces unique challenges, with the report noting the city’s vulnerability to climate change. However, Quetta receives limited support from international organisations, and there is little collaboration with other provinces to share knowledge and resources. Furthermore, private investment in the city remains minimal, with no significant public-private partnership projects in the pipeline.
Islamabad: institutional rivalries hamper development
Islamabad, the federal capital, was initially designed as a low-density, low-rise city, but increasing housing demands have put immense pressure on this original plan. Like other major cities in Pakistan, Islamabad suffers from institutional fragmentation, with various agencies competing for control rather than cooperating under a central authority. This rivalry has hindered effective urban development and service delivery.
A call for sustainable urban planning
The report stresses the need for sustainable urban planning as Pakistan’s cities prepare new master plans or update existing ones. By focusing on land use and management reforms, cities can chart a more sustainable path forward. Achieving this will require a shared understanding among political leaders and policymakers, along with the political will to address the underlying issues that control access to urban land.
Lead author Prof. Spiro N. Pollalis emphasised that Pakistan’s urban centres are at a critical juncture, where successful urban aggregation could become a key driver of economic and social development. However, the country’s cities face mounting challenges, including failing public services, declining quality of life, and dwindling economic productivity.
Conclusion: ADB’s vision for Pakistan’s urban future
The ADB’s report highlights the urgent need for Pakistan to address its urbanisation challenges through innovative, climate-resilient infrastructure and cohesive municipal services. While the challenges are immense, the opportunity to redirect urban planning towards sustainable growth is within reach. For Pakistan’s cities to thrive, both government and private stakeholders must act swiftly to tackle the root causes of urban inefficiency and deterioration.
FAQ: Pakistan’s urban development challenges
1. What is causing the decline in livability in Pakistan’s cities?
The decline in livability is primarily due to overcrowding, pollution, and shrinking public spaces. The lack of coordinated urban planning and growing infrastructure deficits have further worsened conditions in urban areas.
2. How is Karachi managing its rapid population growth?
Karachi is expanding vertically due to limited land availability. However, the city is plagued by class divisions, social tensions, and a lack of coordinated housing development, making it difficult to manage its rapid population growth effectively.
3. What challenges are faced by Lahore in terms of urbanisation?
Lahore is struggling with uncontrolled urban sprawl, as agricultural lands are rapidly being converted into housing schemes. Many of these developments are illegal and lack proper planning.
4. How is Peshawar addressing its urban infrastructure needs?
Peshawar has seen improvements in urban mobility with the launch of the BRT system, but demographic pressures from migration continue to strain the city’s infrastructure. The KP Urban Policy 2030 aims to guide future development.
5. What role does the ADB play in Pakistan’s urban development?
The ADB is supporting balanced urbanisation by investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and helping cities enhance their municipal services. Their goal is to ensure sustainable urban growth that improves living conditions and economic opportunities.
