URBANIZATION IN KARACHI
Urbanization in Karachi Urbanization is a complex process that affects millions of people around the world, particularly in developing countries where rapid urbanization has become a major concern. Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, has experienced unprecedented urbanization in recent years, with a population that has grown from 5 million in 1998 to more than 14 million in 2021. This growth has been fueled by a combination of natural increase and migration from rural areas and other parts of Pakistan. However, this rapid urbanization has led to various socio-economic and environmental challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and rising inequality. This article explores the drivers of urbanization in Karachi, the implications of urbanization for social and environmental sustainability, and the well-being of its residents. Karachi is a port city located on the Arabian Sea coast in southern Pakistan. It is the capital of the province of Sindh and the largest city in Pakistan, with an estimated population of 14.9 million in 2021. Karachi is the financial and economic hub of Pakistan and a major gateway for international trade, making it an attractive destination for migrants from across the country. Karachi has experienced rapid urbanization over the past few decades, with the urban population growing from 5 million in 1998 to 14.9 million in 2021. This growth has been fueled by a combination of natural increase and migration from rural areas and other parts of Pakistan. As a result, Karachi’s population density is one of the highest in the world, with more than 24,000 people per square kilometer. Karachi is also home to various informal settlements and slums, where the living conditions are often substandard and access to basic services is limited. The rapid urbanization of Karachi has resulted in various challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and rising inequality. These challenges have significant implications for the well-being and livelihoods of Karachi’s residents, particularly those living in informal settlements and slums. Therefore, the research problem for this paper is to understand the drivers of urbanization in Karachi and the implications for urban development, social and environmental sustainability, and the well-being of its residents. A critical analysis of existing research on Karachi urbanization reveals that there is a significant body of literature on the topic, with a focus on various aspects of urbanization, including migration, housing, infrastructure, and governance. However, there is a need for more research on the implications of urbanization for social and environmental sustainability, as well as the well-being of residents, particularly those living in informal settlements and slums. Various theoretical and conceptual frameworks have been developed to understand the dynamics of urbanization. These frameworks include the urban transition theory, which posits that urbanization is a natural process that occurs as societies undergo economic and social transformation. Another framework is the urban political economy, which emphasizes the role of political and economic factors in shaping urban development. In the context of Karachi, the urbanization process is shaped by a combination of economic, social, and political factors, including globalization, urban governance, and migration. The rapid urbanization of Karachi has resulted in various challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and rising inequality. These challenges have significant implications for the well-being and livelihoods of Karachi’s residents, particularly those living in informal settlements and slums. Therefore, the research problem for this paper is to understand the drivers of urbanization in Karachi and the implications for urban development, social and environmental sustainability, and the well-being of its residents. A critical analysis of existing research on Karachi urbanization reveals that there is a significant body of literature on the topic, with a focus on various aspects of urbanization, including migration, housing, infrastructure, and governance. However, there is a need for more research on the implications of urbanization for social and environmental sustainability, as well as the well-being of residents, particularly those living in informal settlements and slums. Various theoretical and conceptual frameworks have been developed to understand the dynamics of urbanization. These frameworks include the urban transition theory, which posits that urbanization is a natural process that occurs as societies undergo economic and social transformation. Another framework is the urban political economy, which emphasizes the role of political and economic factors in shaping urban development. In the context of Karachi, the urbanization process is shaped by a combination of economic, social, and political factors, including globalization, urban governance, and migration. The data collected reveal that urbanization in Karachi is driven by a combination of economic, social, and political factors, including globalization, urban governance, and migration. The data also reveal that urbanization has significant implications for social and environmental sustainability, as well as the well-being of residents, particularly those living in informal settlements and slums. Inadequate urban governance and planning have contributed to the development of informal settlements and slums, which are characterized by poor living conditions and limited access to basic services. Environmental degradation is also a major concern, with air and water pollution, inadequate waste management, and deforestation leading to health hazards and ecological imbalances. In conclusion, the rapid urbanization of Karachi has led to various socio-economic and environmental challenges, including inadequate infrastructure. Author: Town Planner Anis Samoo Member of Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners Member of Institute of Planners Pakistan
