Pedestrians, not Prados

As our cities grow and evolve, so do the patterns of migration within Pakistan. The economic stagnation of small towns and villages has driven many to seek opportunities in urban areas, creating immense pressure on city infrastructure.

While efforts to improve urban mobility, such as expanding public transport systems and improving the quality of infrastructure, are visible, one element has continued to face glaring negligence: the pedestrian.

Urban development in Pakistan, particularly in major cities, has long favoured vehicles over people. Roads are widened to accommodate more cars, buses, and motorcycles, and projects like the Metro Bus aim to ease transit from city outskirts to urban centres.

Yet, these measures often neglect the most fundamental aspect of urban life: walking. Once people disembark from public transport, they are left to navigate hazardous, ill-maintained paths – each day, pedestrians make the perilous decision to speedily walk across wide avenues and roads, often resulting in fatal accidents that could have been easily avoided had requisite thought been given to their needs.

This car-centric mindset overlooks the broader benefits of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Walkable neighbourhoods aren’t just about getting from point A to B; they foster stronger community bonds. Research from cities like Galway shows that walkable neighbourhoods experience higher levels of social capital – essentially the glue that holds communities together. In these spaces, residents are more likely to interact, trust one another, and participate in local governance. This is the essence of a vibrant community.

Climate is a major factor in this conversation. Our region's specific climatic challenges require us to look beyond Western examples for sustainable development. Pakistan and Abu Dhabi, for instance, share climatic similarities despite geographic differences – intensely hot summers, arid conditions, and minimal rainfall.

Urban planning in Islamabad mirrors Abu Dhabi’s design of large arterial roads forming superblocks, which function as independent communities with basic facilities and calm inner roads, encouraging walkability. Abu Dhabi’s use of ‘sikkak’, narrow alleyways connecting residential sectors, further enhances walkability, a model that echoes the historic layouts of places like the Walled City of Lahore.

Consider the environmental implications of car-centric urban planning. In Pakistan, vehicular emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of total emissions in major cities like Karachi and Lahore. This is exacerbated by the poor quality of fuel used, which contains high levels of sulphur, resulting in increased particulate matter and other pollutants that degrade air quality and harm public health.

By reducing reliance on cars and promoting pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, cities can significantly cut down emissions and improve air quality, creating healthier urban environments.

The health benefits of walking are undeniable – walking is a simple, accessible exercise that reduces obesity rates, improves cardiovascular health, and lowers stress. Countries with car-centric urban design, like the US, face high obesity rates, while European cities with more walkable environments see lower rates. Encouraging walking in Pakistani cities could improve public health and reduce strain on the healthcare system.

Beyond the benefits to the individual, there are significant economic advantages to creating walkable areas. For one, they attract foot traffic, boosting local businesses and supporting vibrant economic activity.

Pedestrian-friendly streets in cities like Paris and London have become hubs of commerce and culture. The Rue Mouffetards and Carnaby Streets of the world work so well because you can walk and shop. By investing in pedestrian infrastructure, Pakistani cities could unlock similar economic potential, creating opportunities for small businesses and enhancing urban vitality.

Globally, many cities are moving towards more pedestrian-friendly urban planning. Bogota's weekly Ciclovia, where streets are closed to cars and opened for pedestrians and cyclists, is a model replicated worldwide. Los Angeles and New York have also reimagined their streets to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, showing even car-dependent cities can pivot towards more sustainable, people-centred environments.

So, what lessons can Pakistani cities learn? We must develop safe walkways separated from traffic, add pedestrian crossings, and ensure accessibility for everyone. Mixed-use developments, where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are close together, can reduce the need for car travel and make walking more attractive. Implementing car-free zones, as seen in cities like Curitiba and Oslo, can reduce pollution and enhance urban liveability.

Islamabad has started recognizing the gap in pedestrian infrastructure, moving towards establishing pedestrian and cycling networks. However, these efforts must be sustained through regular maintenance and strict enforcement of laws that protect pedestrian spaces. Without this, even the best initiatives will falter.

Creating safe urban spaces is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about fostering a sense of ownership among residents. When people feel invested in their surroundings, they are more likely to protect and preserve them. A city’s true vitality emerges when it is centred around its people, not its vehicles.

Urban development should not pit vehicles against pedestrians. By adopting inclusive urban planning models that prioritize pedestrians, we can ensure the safety and convenience of all residents. The call for human-centric cities is a call for a more connected, vibrant, and liveable Pakistan, where every resident feels safe and welcome, regardless of how they choose to move around.

There must be a paradigm shift in how we view our urban spaces. This requires informed policymaking and enforcement to foster communities, reduce infrastructure costs, and improve quality of life. Sustainable development is no longer a choice but a necessity.

As informed, well-thought-out urban planning becomes increasingly vital to not only the individual but the community and city at large, we must also consider taking steps back to find the right balance – learning from both our history and the successes of others in similar climates and contexts.

The writer is an architect based in Islamabad.