New ADB report shows the unliveable condition of Pakistani cities amid economic crisis 

DAWN: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently published a detailed report shedding light on the alarming state of urban centres in Pakistan.

The findings paint a stark picture of deteriorating living conditions in the country’s cities, attributing it to unchecked urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and poor governance.

The report emphasizes that without immediate and comprehensive reforms, these issues will continue to worsen, impacting millions of residents.
In the report titled “Pakistan National Urban Assessment,” the ADB says the pressure on cities mired in ever-increasing deficits in urban infrastructure and services will intensify, with urban population projected to climb to 99.4 million, or 40.7 percent of the country’s total, in 2030.

With cities like Karachi recording a spike in criminal activities and people struggling for survival, the ADB report features the challenges which Pakistan is going to face for the upcoming years.

The ADB said in its report that despite moderating in 2020 and 2021, Pakistan’s population growth averaged 2.55 percent annually in 2017–2023.

This was marked by a 3.65 percent annual growth in urban population, nearly double that of the rural population.

“This brought Pakistan’s total population in 2023 to 241.5 million (16.3 percent more than in 2017), with an urban population of 93.8 million (approaching a fourfold increase since 1981),” the report said.

ADB report projected a darker aspect of the data study performed by the country when it said Pakistan’s urban population has been underestimated.

“The unaccounted-for and hidden urbanization has impeded thorough analysis of the associated issues and due consideration of the opportunities arising from urbanization. Adjusting for this underestimation will allow urban development and planning to respond to the actual and emerging urbanization challenges,” the ADB report said.

With the mounting challenges of urbanization, ADB feels Pakistan needs to direct greater policy, planning, and investment support to transform its cities into safe, resilient, and liveable spaces, as well as economic powerhouses that provide better income, education, and livelihood opportunities.

Alarming people in the cash-strapped nation, ADB report pointed out that the increasing densification and overcrowding in urban settlements also make cities an effective conveyor of infectious and communicable diseases, many of which are exacerbated by climate change.

The report outlines how myriad factors including failing public services, inadequate urban planning, insufficient housing, and the risks of climate change are contributing to declining quality of life in Pakistan’s cities.

The action which ADB proposed for the betterment of cities in its report should have been implemented by the new government after coming to power.

In its recommendations, the ADB stresses the urgent need for a comprehensive urban policy framework.

The report outlines several key actions that Pakistan must take to improve the liveability of its cities:

Investment in infrastructure: The ADB emphasizes the need for increased investments in urban infrastructure, particularly in water supply systems, sanitation, waste management, and public transportation.

Affordable housing and urban planning: Developing affordable housing solutions and implementing effective urban planning measures are crucial to accommodating the growing urban population.

The report suggests stricter regulations to curb the proliferation of informal settlements and encourage sustainable urban development.

Improving environmental management: Addressing environmental issues, such as air and water pollution, should be a top priority.

The report recommends stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, reducing industrial emissions, and promoting green spaces within cities.

Strengthening local governance: Empowering local governments with the necessary financial resources and decision-making authority is essential for implementing effective urban reforms.

The ADB also suggests increasing transparency and accountability at all levels of government to curb corruption and inefficiency.

Public-private partnerships: The report recommends encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to fund and manage large-scale urban projects, such as transportation networks and waste management systems.

In its conclusion, the report showed Pakistan’s soaring population is piling pressure on its cities as its macroeconomic position remains uncertain and proposes a new model of urbanization to help make its cities more resilient and liveable.

According to an Editorial published in Pakistan’s leading English daily the Dawn, “To prevent an irreversible slide towards urban dystopia, the state must pay heed to the suggestions the ADB and other experts have offered.”

“Pakistanis deserve cleaner, greener, sustainable cities that offer equal opportunities to all, and are governed by transparent laws and functioning institutions, while urban slums should be replaced with affordable, dignified housing for the working classes,” the Editorial said, pointing to the government.

The ADB’s report presents a sobering view of the current state of Pakistani cities, describing the living conditions as increasingly unliveable due to rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and poor governance.

It warns that without immediate action, the challenges facing urban centres will only intensify, affecting the quality of life for millions of residents.

Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach, involving investments in infrastructure, comprehensive urban planning, environmental management, and strengthened governance.

The report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize urban development and ensure that Pakistan’s cities can become more liveable, sustainable, and resilient in the future.

However, with the government playing no role in improving the state of the country, Pakistan’s struggle continues.