by Abdul Waheed Bhutto 11 December 2023
Karachi, a thriving urban center, navigates the intricacies of urbanization, embracing the spectrum of opportunities and challenges in its quest for sustainable growth. This growth is palpable, marked by a surge in population to 20 million by 2023 and a simultaneous decrease in the average household size to 5.93.
People flock to Karachi for diverse reasons. Its economic prowess attracts migrants seeking job opportunities in finance, commerce, manufacturing, and services. The city’s cultural diversity, vibrant social scene, and educational institutions draw individuals seeking dynamic urban experiences. Improved healthcare facilities and a bustling lifestyle contribute to people seeking better livelihoods.
The catastrophic floods in Sindh in 2010 and 2022 significantly influenced migration to Karachi. These calamitous events displaced many families, compelling them to seek refuge in urban areas like Karachi. The floods devastated communities in Sindh, leaving them displaced and struggling to rebuild, prompting migration to Karachi for shelter and stability. The city, with its resources and opportunities, became a natural destination for those affected by the floods, leading to increased migration during and after these disasters.
The absence of affordable housing alternatives for Karachi’s low-income groups has fueled the proliferation of slum developments. This situation forces marginalized communities into substandard living conditions within informal settlements. Some of these settlements, such as Orangi Town, Baldia Town, Ibrahim Hyderi, Machar Colony, Sultanabad, Azam Basti, Qasba Colony, Korangi Crossing, Gulshan-e-Zia, and Banaras Colony, constitute the katchi abadis present in and around Karachi. The lack of proper infrastructure, essential services, and legal validation continues to drive the expansion of these settlements, intensifying the difficulties faced by vulnerable populations and contributing to the expansion of Karachi’s informal urban spaces.
Karachi faces a critical challenge concerning its deteriorating air quality, which originates from various sources. The city grapples with industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, poor waste management, construction activities, geographic factors, and a scarcity of green spaces, all contributing to this concern. Industries release harmful pollutants like particulate matter, while vehicles emit gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Inadequate waste disposal and construction-related dust further compound Karachi’s air quality issues. The city’s geographical layout and lack of green spaces exacerbate pollution levels, demanding a comprehensive approach to tackle these pressing matters.
However, within these challenges lies an opportunity for a transformation towards sustainable urban progress. Urban centers like Karachi confront challenges such as strained infrastructure, environmental degradation, social disparities, housing deficits, and traffic congestion. To address these, a multifaceted strategy is imperative.
Prioritizing sustainable development becomes paramount, emphasizing eco-friendly infrastructure and practices to align growth with environmental conservation. Equally crucial are inclusive policies, ensuring fair access to services, education, and job opportunities for all residents, thereby mitigating social disparities. Effective urban planning that integrates smart city concepts, efficient transport systems, and green spaces emerges as vital for fostering healthy urban development.
Mitigating housing shortages through the creation of affordable housing solutions becomes imperative to offer structured living spaces and diminish the proliferation of informal settlements. Moreover, nurturing public-private partnerships becomes pivotal. Collaboration in governance, investment, and executing urban development projects becomes the cornerstone for enhancing infrastructure and services, thereby nurturing sustained urban progress.
The establishment of new cities near Karachi stands as a pivotal step in alleviating pressure on the city and fostering sustainable urban growth. These emerging urban centers, by redistributing population density and fostering economic opportunities beyond established regions, serve as drivers for regional progress.
Earlier, significant initiatives like Port Qasim City and Gulshan-e-Maymar symbolized thoughtfully planned urban expansions. Port Qasim City, originating in the late 1970s, strategically expanded around Port Qasim, seamlessly integrating residential, commercial, and industrial sectors to support port-related functions. Similarly, Gulshan-e-Maymar, developed during the same era, evolved into a well-structured locality serving Karachi’s growing population with diverse residential amenities.
Following this, the private sector played a pivotal role in establishing prominent townships, particularly DHA and Bahria Town along the superhighway. These endeavors, driven by the private sector, strive to offer exceptional living experiences through their distinct developments.
Concurrently, ongoing initiatives focusing on slum areas underscore Karachi’s commitment to enhancing living conditions for its residents. Particularly notable, the Orangi Pilot Project, launched in the 1980s, prioritized improving sanitation, housing, and infrastructure within Orangi Town, a sprawling informal settlement in Karachi. This project aimed to engage the community and primarily aimed at upgrading crucial services like water supply and sanitation facilities.
Another significant effort in Karachi involves the regularization of informal settlements, commonly known as katchi abadis. By legally recognizing these areas, the city aims to elevate living standards by facilitating access to essential services and initiating infrastructure improvements.
Recently, the Pakistan Housing Scheme emerged as a significant support system for middle-income families, addressing their housing needs by providing accessible and affordable options. Through financial incentives, subsidies, and manageable payment plans, the scheme empowered these families to own homes they might otherwise have found unattainable. This initiative not only met a fundamental need but also fostered stability and prosperity among the middle-income group, promoting homeownership and uplifting communities.
Inclusivity is fundamental to Karachi’s journey towards comprehensive urban development. Tackling the city’s diverse challenges necessitates an approach ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities for all residents. By implementing inclusive policies, fostering community engagement, and promoting social and economic equity, Karachi aims to create a more cohesive and resilient cityscape. Providing affordable housing, improving essential services, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities are crucial steps toward creating a city where every individual thrives. Embracing diversity as a strength, encouraging cultural exchange, and ensuring equal participation in decision-making processes further solidify Karachi’s path toward an inclusive and prosperous urban future.
Over the last seven decades, Karachi has transformed into a vibrant hub, embracing diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, mirroring Pakistan’s rich diversity. Amidst challenges and opportunities, the city’s trajectory toward resilience and prosperity hinges on adopting sustainable development practices and inclusive policies. This transformative approach aims to raise living standards citywide while preserving the environment for future generations. At its essence, this vision underscores inclusivity, ensuring fair access to opportunities and resources, weaving a cohesive and vibrant fabric for every individual in Karachi.