Declining Livability in Pakistani Cities: A Call to Action

Editorial

The Asian Development Bank’s recent report on Pakistan’s urban landscape paints a grim picture of deteriorating livability in the nation’s cities. It indicates that urban centers are increasingly inefficient, with alarming scores on various competitive indices that reflect issues such as congestion, unwelcoming environments, and pollution. This situation serves as a stark critique of the governance of capital cities across Pakistan’s four provinces. Leadership during this period has been marked by a succession of political changes, notably the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from August 2018 to January 2023, followed by interim governance from Mohsin Naqvi and then Maryam Nawaz of the PML-N. In Sindh, Murad Ali Shah has led since June 2016, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen continuous PTI control since 2013, with various caretaker administrations interspersed throughout. Despite their political allegiances, it is evident that parties cannot evade accountability for the urban decline in their respective areas.

This urban malaise is particularly pronounced in Lahore, which suffers from disorganized housing developments influenced by powerful real estate interests interconnected with major political factions. Meanwhile, Karachi faces deep-rooted ethnic and sectarian divisions that have manifested in violent protests, while cities like Peshawar and Quetta are plagued by periodic terror attacks, necessitating robust responses from law enforcement. Islamabad, as highlighted by the ADB report, struggles with the impediments of ineffective public services, diminishing quality of life, and stagnant economic productivity. Protests in the capital, driven by public discontent over government policies, have significantly disrupted daily life for residents, particularly affecting access to essential government services.

As the International Monetary Fund (IMF) braces Pakistan for its economic challenges, its recent staff report underscores the risks of social unrest fueled by rampant inflation, income loss, and political instability. The recommendations put forth to mitigate these issues, focused on increasing social assistance and maintaining fiscal discipline, present daunting challenges given the current poverty rate of 41% and the country’s narrow fiscal space. The IMF’s findings highlight the consequences of inadequate infrastructure investment, notably the vulnerability to climate change, exemplified by the devastating floods in 2022. It also warns of potential delays in reform due to political pressures and vested interests, which could undermine the fragile stability the country currently enjoys.

To create an investment-friendly environment, Pakistan needs to shift its focus from heavy regulation and lockdowns to fostering a competitive and equitable investment landscape. This necessitates a significant overhaul of governance practices that have persisted for decades, promoting transparency and reducing bureaucratic hurdles to attract both local and foreign investors. The path forward requires comprehensive commitment and systemic change to reclaim urban livability and restore trust in governance.

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