Urban challenges encompass the intricate issues cities face as they grow and evolve. These challenges emerge from the rapid growth of urban populations, shifts in demographics, environmental concerns, and the need for sustainable development. However, developing nations, often characterized by limited resources and infrastructure, face unique urban challenges that stem from rapid and often unplanned urban growth. These challenges impact various aspects of urban life, from housing and transportation to healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. Moreover, as urban areas expand, they strain existing systems and resources. Therefore, governments and international bodies should work together to establish effective urban planning strategies that would result in more sustainable, economically vibrant, and equitable cities. Such joint efforts not only benefit individual cities but also foster global cooperation, enabling the sharing of best practices and resources for the collective betterment of urban areas worldwide.
What are the Challenges?
Here are several of the urban challenges that Pakistan encounters:
Rapid Urbanization: A Double-Edged Sword
One of Pakistan’s most pressing urban planning challenges is the rapid pace of urbanization. As of now, Pakistan is home to 82 million people residing in urban areas. By 2030, this urban population is expected to make up nearly 41% of the nation’s total population, and this proportion is projected to exceed 50% by 2050 (The Express Tribune, 2022). People migrate to major cities because of the lack of health and education facilities in their hometowns. This explosive urban growth strains existing infrastructure, housing, and essential services, creating a complex puzzle for urban planners.
Solution
To tackle this demographic surge effectively, Pakistan must adopt a holistic approach to urbanization. This includes investing in affordable housing projects, upgrading public transportation networks, and expanding access to healthcare and education in urban regions. The creation of satellite cities can help alleviate congestion in major metropolitan areas.
Infrastructure Deficiency: The Backbone of Urban Life
Inadequate infrastructure is a persistent issue in Pakistani cities, encompassing deficient road networks, water supply systems, and sewage management. For instance, In 2017, Punjab, Pakistan’s largest province, faced a housing shortfall of approximately 2.3 million units. This deficit is projected to surge dramatically to 11.3 million units by the year 2047 (Zaheer et al., 2022). Moreover, this infrastructure gap not only diminishes the quality of life but also poses significant health and environmental risks.
Solution
Investment in infrastructure development is paramount. Sustainable, resilient infrastructure solutions should be prioritized. Also, public-private partnerships can play a pivotal role in financing and executing large-scale infrastructure projects. Furthermore, innovative technologies and materials can be utilized to ensure the longevity of these investments.
Informal Settlements: The Challenge of Slums
The proliferation of informal settlements, often referred to as slums, is a prevalent issue in many Pakistani cities. Annually, Pakistan experiences a demand for 350,000 urban housing units. This demand can be broken down into specific segments: 62 percent is needed by lower-income groups, 25 percent by lower-middle-income groups, and 10 percent by higher and upper-middle-income groups. However, the formal housing supply only amounts to 150,000 units per year (Attarwala & Lodhi, 2018). Consequently, the unmet demand is addressed through the development of informal settlements. For example, According to Unicef, there are approximately 1,300 slums in just Karachi and Hyderabad combined (Bari, 2023). These areas lack access to basic amenities, are susceptible to disease outbreaks, and frequently face eviction threats, leading to a cycle of poverty and insecurity.
Solution
A comprehensive strategy is needed to address informal settlements. Regularization, which entails providing secure land tenure, upgrading infrastructure, and delivering essential services, can transform these areas into sustainable neighborhoods. Community involvement in the planning process is crucial to ensure that development is inclusive and meets the needs of the residents.
Traffic Congestion and Air Pollution
As cities expand, traffic congestion and air pollution become increasingly severe.Every single one of Pakistan’s 238 million inhabitants resides in regions where the annual average particulate pollution level surpasses the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Astonishingly, a staggering 98.3 percent of the population dwells in areas that surpass Pakistan’s own national air quality standard of 15 µg/m3 (AQLI, 2021). Poor urban planning, insufficient public transportation, and a surge in private vehicle ownership are contributing factors.
Solution
To alleviate these issues, a two-pronged approach is necessary. Firstly, investments in public transportation initiatives such as bus rapid transit systems and metro networks are essential to reduce reliance on personal vehicles. Secondly, strict emission standards must be enforced, and incentives should be provided for the adoption of electric vehicles. Encouraging non-motorized transportation options, such as cycling and walking, can further alleviate congestion and pollution.
Environmental Degradation
While Pakistan’s contribution to the global carbon footprint is minuscule, at just 0.8 percent, it finds itself among the ten most climate-stressed countries in the world (Rupert, 2022). Unchecked urban sprawl and inadequate waste management systems contribute to environmental degradation. Annually, Pakistan witnesses the depletion of nearly 27,000 hectares of its natural forested land. These circumstances are significantly impacting the economy. As per a report from the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, the yearly financial toll of environmental degradation alone amounts to approximately 4.3% of the GDP (Shams, 2022). Furthermore, the unregulated discharge of industrial and domestic waste into water bodies exacerbates the problem, threatening not only public health but also the environment. Experts caution that without long-term solutions, the country could run out of water by 2040 (Shams, 2022).
Solution
Environmental stewardship must be a cornerstone of urban planning. This involves the development and enforcement of stringent environmental regulations. Investment in modern waste management infrastructure is essential, as is the promotion of sustainable building practices.Moreover, the creation of green spaces within cities can mitigate environmental impact while enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Land Use and Zoning Issues
Land use and zoning regulations in many Pakistani cities are often outdated and inadequately enforced. This results in haphazard construction, compromising safety, aesthetics, and the overall urban fabric. For instance, uncontrolled urban expansion persists, with housing projects extending beyond city boundaries, consuming approximately 60,000 acres of valuable agricultural land. In cities like Karachi and Lahore, developers are notably involved in extensive real estate developments, especially along highways (Shaikh & Nabi, 2018). These initiatives are reshaping urban boundaries and adding more pressure to service delivery systems.
Solution
To establish organized and aesthetically pleasing urban environments, Pakistan must embark on a thorough reform of land use and zoning regulations. These regulations should be updated and rigorously enforced to ensure orderly and safe urban development. Encouraging mixed-use zoning can create more walkable and vibrant neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community and social cohesion.
Lack of Data and Planning Capacity
Many Pakistani cities grapple with a dearth of accurate urban data and a shortage of trained urban planners. This dearth of information and expertise hampers effective urban planning and decision-making.
Solution
To address this challenge, investments in data collection and analysis capabilities are essential. Accurate data is the bedrock upon which sound urban planning decisions are made. Furthermore, providing training and professional development opportunities for urban planners and municipal officials is crucial to enhance their capacity to tackle the complex issues cities face.
Conclusion
Pakistan stands at a crossroads in its urban development journey. The challenges of rapid urbanization, infrastructure deficiency, informal settlements, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, land use and zoning issues, and the lack of data and planning capacity are formidable. However, these challenges are not insurmountable. With strategic investments, effective policies, and active community involvement, Pakistan can transform its cities into beacons of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban living.
References
AQLI. (2021). Pakistan. AQLI. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from https://aqli.epic.uchicago.edu/country-spotlight/pakistan/
Attarwala, F. S., & Lodhi, M. (2018, August 19). THE CRISIS OF URBAN HOUSING – Newspaper – DAWN.COM. Dawn. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1427893
Bari, F. (2023, March 27). Slumming it in Pakistan – Business – DAWN.COM. Dawn. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1744391
The Express Tribune. (2022, October 13). 50% population will be living in urban areas by 2050. The Express Tribune. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2381334/50-population-will-be-living-in-urban-areas-by-2050
Rupert, J. (2022, September 30). Pakistan Presses U.S. to Lead Global Response to Climate Disasters. United States Institute of Peace. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from https://www.usip.org/publications/2022/09/pakistan-presses-us-lead-global-response-climate-disasters
Shaikh, H., & Nabi, I. (2018). The six biggest challenges facing Pakistan’s urban future – CDPR. Consortium for Development Policy Research. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from https://cdpr.org.pk/6-challenges-facing-pakistans-urban-future/
Shams, S. (2022, May 31). Is Pakistan paying attention to environment crises? – DW – 05/31/2022. DW. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from https://www.dw.com/en/is-pakistan-paying-attention-to-existential-environment-crises/a-61987940
Zaheer, N., Arshad, S., & Kwak, D. (2022, March 11). Managing supply and demand: The key to getting ‘housing’ right in Pakistan. World Bank Blogs. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from https://blogs.worldbank.org/endpovertyinsouthasia/managing-supply-and-demand-key-getting-housing-right-pakistan
This article is written by Haneen Gul. Haneen is a research analyst at the Iqbal Institute of Policy Studies (IIPS).
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