Naeem Afzal
Cities are the engines of economic growth. People come to cities not just for living but for commerce. All the great countries of the world have great cities. The scientific Progress and economic prosperity occur in cities: from Athens to Rome to Baghdad to London, knowledge flourished in cities. Cities are the central places for cultural diffusion and home to elites that patronize the art and science. Everywhere in the world, cities are autonomous in generating revenue and spending on their needs.
But in Pakistan, policymakers treat cities with very primitive thinking. Our cities are not developed economically: assets worth billions are left untapped. Cities are highly regulated by the unitary bureaucracy; they are becoming sprawls and overpopulated. According to a study by PIDE, Lahore has high density in old Lahore; why expansion is ongoing in far-flung areas for single-family homes. There are bureaucratic restrictions on vertical expansion. The research shows that societies registered with the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) cover only 8.50% of the area for commercial activities and 91% for residential purposes. It shows that Lahore is expanding in plots not for commerce.
On the contrast, global cities offer 30% to commercial activities
The novel of the 20th century about Lahore portrays Lahore as a city of gardens and love. Ghulam Abbas’s novel Overcoat presents a beautiful picture of the Mall Road, Davis Road, and Charring Cross. One can feel the quiet city and its calm life in writings. Today I went for a walk on the Mall Road. However, I was delighted to see the multinational brands over there, from Domino’s to Panorama Shopping Centre.
But the road is not calm as it used to be. Too much traffic and noise. However, there have been steps to enhance the aesthetics of the road.
Lahore deserves a strong, autonomous, and accountable city government. It will be an empowered government run by the administrators, urban planners, and traffic planners. The city will be allowed to collect parking fees, congestion fees, and carbon tax. From collected revenue, it’ll enhance the welfare of the residents. Zoning laws will be diversified. Vertical expansion must be encouraged.
Unitary bureaucracy can’t run cities. City governments all over the globe empower the city life. Lahore also deserves a strong city government.
