Urban nightmare

That our cities are a jungle of unplanned misery is pretty much a given but the ADB’s recent ‘Pakistan National Urban Assessment Report’ lays out just what a challenge this is. Congested, polluted, and often failing to meet the basic expectations of livability, Pakistani cities are struggling under the weight of mismanagement, insufficient planning, and increasing inequality. This trajectory, if left unchecked, will only worsen as Pakistan’s urban population swells to a projected 99 million by 2030, intensifying challenges to the already strained infrastructure and services. The report rightly highlights one of the central issues: the absence of a cohesive urban development strategy. Fragmented land use planning, ambiguous responsibilities, and the lack of a capable central authority in cities like Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta have led to inefficiencies that undermine economic growth, public welfare, and environmental sustainability. Each city reflects unique yet interrelated issues. Karachi, for instance, is a divided city grappling with stark class divisions and ethnic segmentation, while Lahore’s sprawl devours surrounding agricultural lands with unchecked housing developments. In Peshawar, migration from tribal areas has swelled the population, straining an infrastructure that is only now seeing some improvement. Meanwhile, Quetta contends with the dual burdens of climate change and underinvestment, leaving its residents vulnerable to a compromised future.

Adding to the woes, class divisions are starkly visible. In Karachi, the privileged reside in exclusive areas while the majority are relegated to less-developed districts with fewer resources. A similar divide is evident in Lahore, where affluent housing schemes and unplanned sprawl continue to absorb precious agricultural land. The consequences of these disparities are not only moral but also deeply practical: the continued economic and social stratification of cities deters a cohesive urban identity and exacerbates social tensions. At the root of these issues is a troubling alliance between politicians and developers which has transformed public land into a lucrative commodity, enabling profit-driven projects at the expense of communal spaces and green areas. With few parks and public spaces, urban centres are becoming increasingly unattractive and unsustainable, while efforts at greening remain largely confined to wealthier areas. However, this bleak outlook is not without solutions. The ADB’s report calls for a bold reimagining of Pakistan’s urban planning framework, advocating for sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure that serves everyone, not just the affluent few. Cities must develop robust central authorities capable of coordinating planning efforts across all agencies and stakeholders.

There is also a need to decentralise population pressures by investing in secondary cities and improving rural socioeconomic opportunities. This would ease housing demand, reduce congestion, and foster a healthier distribution of resources and economic opportunities across the country. Furthermore, Pakistan’s urban policy must protect existing green spaces, expand access to public parks, and develop inclusive projects that are accessible to all. Ultimately, the country is indeed at a critical juncture. Pakistan’s urban centres can either continue on a path toward diminished livability or pivot toward sustainable urban reform. The ADB’s report offers a timely reminder that this country’s rulers need to prioritise urban planning before every city becomes an urban nightmare.