Urbanization in Pakistan means more and more people are moving from villages to cities for better lives. This has been happening for many years. As more people move to cities, the number of city people is growing. This change affects how things are in cities and villages. It’s important for leaders, city planners, and people to know why this is happening and what it means. They need to know so they can solve problems and make good decisions for everyone.
Urbanization in Pakistan has grown since its independence due to several reasons. Most people in southern Pakistan live along the Indus River, and Karachi is the largest city. In the northern part of the country, many people live in a group of cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and others. Between 1990 and 2008, 36% of Pakistan’s population lived in cities, making it the most urbanized country in South Asia. Additionally, 50% of Pakistanis live in towns with at least 5,000 people. As of early 2024, Pakistan is one of the fastest urbanizing countries in South Asia.
Causes of urbanization
The British left control of India and Pakistan in 1947, causing chaos due to a power vacuum and mass migrations. This led to many people in both countries lacking basic food and housing security today. The migrations caused loss and destruction of property, leading to financial instability. Many people moved quickly to cities, creating informal settlements called katchi abadis in Karachi.
Immigration, both from within and outside the country, has been a major factor in Pakistan’s urbanization. The 1998 Pakistan Census showed that Pakistan’s independence in 1947 was crucial for understanding urban changes. Many Muslim refugees from India, called Muhajirs, moved to Pakistan, especially Karachi. Which is now the largest city in Pakistan.
Migration from neighboring countries has also sped up urbanization in Pakistani cities. After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, many stranded Biharis moved to Pakistan. Later, smaller numbers of Bengalis and Burmese also migrated. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s brought millions of Afghan refugees to Pakistan, though most have returned since 2002. These large population movements have created new political and social challenges.
Other factors like the Green Revolution and political changes have also contributed to urbanization. As of early 2024, Pakistan is one of the fastest urbanizing countries in South Asia.
Effects of urbanisation
The growth of slums brings many problems, like health issues, poor infrastructure, and bad sanitation. The infrastructure can’t support the large population, and in rural areas. People often can’t afford plumbing or wells, leading to water contamination. Many water sources are very dirty due to a lack of government rules and monitoring. Industrial waste, sewage, and high levels of fluoride and arsenic contaminate water sources, and monsoon floods make things worse, causing many epidemics over the years.
Studies show that Karachi’s water has very high levels of nitrates and chlorides, along with. Other harmful germs that cause diarrhea and nutrient loss, worsening the malnutrition problem. In Pakistan, 1 in 5 “street children” are stunted, and about 1 in 8 are wasted.
Province wise
- In 1998, 32.52% of Pakistanis lived in urban areas; this increased to 36.38% in 2017.
- The 2017 census showed urbanization increased in all parts of Pakistan except Islamabad Capital Territory.
- In Islamabad, the urban population dropped from 65.72% in 1998 to 50.58% in 2017.
- Sindh is the most urbanized province, with 52.02% of its population living in urban areas.
- Sindh’s urban population increased from 48.75% in 1998 to 52.02% in 2017.
- FATA is the least urbanized area, with only 2.84% of its population living in urban areas.
Challenges and Opportunities of Rapid Urbanization in Pakistan
Pakistan is changing fast, with more and more people moving from villages to cities. Right now, about 42% of people live in cities, and this number is expected to keep growing. This is because cities offer more opportunities for jobs and a better standard of living. As more people move to cities, the economy also grows. In fact, cities contribute about 80% to the country’s wealth and almost all of its tax money.
But, the way cities are growing is causing some problems. Many people in cities live in slums, which are crowded and don’t have proper facilities like clean water or good roads. Some cities are managed well, like Lahore and Sialkot,. Because leaders there have taken a lot of interest in their development. But others, like Karachi, have problems because the government doesn’t manage them well and there’s a lot of crime.
As cities grow, they spread out and take up more land. This is happening in cities like Islamabad and Quetta. There are also not enough houses for everyone, so many people end up living on the streets.
Even though cities can be good for the economy, they also bring challenges. For example, there aren’t enough jobs for everyone, especially young people. This can make them feel stressed and upset. Also, there are differences in opinions about how cities should grow. Some people want them to grow without thinking about culture, while others think culture is important and should be considered.
The government needs to come up with better plans for how cities should grow. They should make rules that allow for more tall buildings and mixed-use spaces. This will create more homes and places for schools and shops. But they also need to make sure that people’s basic needs are met. If Pakistan doesn’t plan carefully, its cities could end up overcrowded and full of people who don’t have anywhere to live or work.
To fix these problems, the government needs to invest more in infrastructure like roads and water systems. They also need to make sure that everyone has access to basic services like healthcare and education. By planning carefully, Pakistan can make sure that its cities are places where everyone can live happily and prosper.
Conclusion
Urbanization in Pakistan means more and more people are moving from villages to cities for better lives. This has been happening for many years. As more people move to cities, the number of city people is growing. This change affects how things are in cities and villages. It’s important for leaders, city planners, and people to know why this is happening and what it means. They need to know so they can solve problems and make good decisions for everyone.
FAQs
What makes people move to cities in Pakistan?
People move to cities in Pakistan because there are more jobs and chances for a better life. This makes cities get bigger and bigger.
What problems happen because of cities growing fast in Pakistan?
As cities grow fast, they face problems like not having enough houses, roads, and clean air. Some people end up living in poor areas without proper homes and services.
How does city growth affect villages in Pakistan?
When people leave villages for cities, it can make villages have fewer people. Some villages lose skilled workers, and farming may not be as good as before.
What can Pakistan do to solve the problems of cities getting too big?
To solve these problems, Pakistan needs good plans for cities, better roads, and more affordable homes. It’s also important to take care of the environment and help villages grow too.