Karachi, once renowned for its modern infrastructure and esteemed educational institutions, has once again been ranked as the world’s least liveable city according to a global survey conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The survey, which assessed 173 cities worldwide based on various factors such as healthcare, culture, stability, infrastructure, and education, placed Karachi at the 169th position with an overall score of 42.7. Particularly concerning was the city’s stability score of 20. The ratings for healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure were 54.2, 35.9, 75, and 51.8 respectively. In stark contrast, Vienna topped the list with a score of 98.4, followed by Copenhagen and Zurich.
A Deep Dive into Karachi’s Liveability Issues
The disheartening ranking of Karachi as the least liveable city globally has prompted widespread concern and introspection among its residents and policymakers. To understand the underlying issues, it is essential to delve deeper into the specific areas assessed by The Economist Intelligence Unit.
Stability: The Achilles’ Heel
Karachi’s stability score of 20 is alarmingly low, reflecting the city’s chronic issues with safety and security. The city has long grappled with political instability, ethnic tensions, and a high crime rate. These factors have severely impacted the quality of life for its residents, deterring investment and hindering economic growth. The frequent occurrences of street crimes, gang violence, and political unrest contribute to a pervasive sense of insecurity. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, involving enhanced law enforcement, community engagement, and effective governance.
Healthcare: Struggling to Meet Demands
With a score of 54.2, healthcare in Karachi is another area that requires significant improvement. The city’s healthcare system is plagued by a lack of resources, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient medical personnel. Public hospitals often struggle to cope with the high patient load, leading to inadequate care and long waiting times. Additionally, the private healthcare sector, while offering better services, is unaffordable for a large portion of the population. To improve healthcare, there needs to be a substantial investment in medical facilities, training for healthcare professionals, and the implementation of effective healthcare policies.
Culture and Environment: Room for Improvement
Karachi scored 35.9 in the culture and environment category, indicating that there is considerable room for improvement. The city’s cultural vibrancy is marred by environmental degradation, including pollution and lack of green spaces. Air and water pollution are significant issues, stemming from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and improper waste management. Furthermore, the lack of recreational areas and cultural centers limits residents’ opportunities for leisure and cultural engagement. Enhancing Karachi’s cultural and environmental appeal involves stringent environmental regulations, urban planning for green spaces, and the promotion of cultural activities.
Education: A Silver Lining
Interestingly, Karachi’s education sector received a relatively high score of 75, suggesting that it remains one of the city’s stronger aspects. The presence of reputable educational institutions and a robust academic culture contribute to this positive rating. However, disparities in education quality and access between different socio-economic groups remain a concern. Ensuring equitable access to quality education for all segments of the population is crucial for sustaining and improving this score. Investments in public education, teacher training, and educational infrastructure are necessary to bridge these gaps.
Infrastructure: The Backbone of Urban Life
Infrastructure, with a score of 51.8, highlights the city’s aging and inadequate urban framework. Karachi’s infrastructure issues range from poor road conditions and inadequate public transportation to frequent power outages and insufficient water supply. These problems not only inconvenience residents but also impede economic activities. Developing a comprehensive infrastructure plan that addresses these critical areas is essential for improving the city’s liveability. This plan should include upgrades to transportation systems, expansion of utility services, and modernization of urban facilities.
Comparing Global Liveability Standards
Karachi’s dismal ranking in the EIU’s survey contrasts sharply with cities like Vienna, Copenhagen, and Zurich, which consistently score high in liveability. These cities excel due to their robust infrastructure, excellent healthcare systems, high safety standards, vibrant cultural scenes, and well-maintained environments. Learning from these cities’ approaches can provide valuable insights for Karachi.
Vienna: The Benchmark for Liveability
Vienna, with its score of 98.4, sets the benchmark for liveability. The city boasts a high standard of public services, including healthcare and education, coupled with an efficient public transport system and extensive green spaces. Vienna’s commitment to cultural preservation and environmental sustainability further enhances its liveability. For Karachi, emulating Vienna’s integrated approach to urban planning and public service provision can be a guiding principle in its quest for improvement.
Copenhagen and Zurich: Models of Urban Excellence
Copenhagen and Zurich, following closely behind Vienna, exemplify urban excellence through their emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and community well-being. Both cities prioritize eco-friendly policies, technological advancements, and active citizen participation in governance. Karachi can draw lessons from these cities by fostering a culture of sustainability, embracing technological solutions for urban challenges, and involving residents in decision-making processes.
Steps Towards a More Liveable Karachi
Addressing Karachi’s liveability challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government authorities, private sector players, and civil society. Here are some strategic steps that can be taken to improve the city’s ranking in future surveys.
Enhancing Public Safety and Security
Improving stability in Karachi necessitates strengthening law enforcement agencies, adopting community policing models, and fostering collaboration between different ethnic and political groups. Investing in modern policing equipment, training for law enforcement personnel, and community outreach programs can help build trust and enhance security.
Revamping the Healthcare System
To uplift the healthcare sector, a comprehensive reform plan is needed. This includes upgrading public hospitals, expanding healthcare facilities, and ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies. Encouraging private sector participation and public-private partnerships can also alleviate some of the burdens on the public healthcare system.
Promoting Cultural and Environmental Initiatives
Enhancing Karachi’s cultural and environmental landscape involves launching initiatives aimed at reducing pollution, creating green spaces, and promoting cultural events. Implementing strict environmental regulations, encouraging the use of renewable energy, and organizing community clean-up drives can significantly improve the city’s environment. Additionally, investing in cultural infrastructure, such as museums, theaters, and art galleries, can enrich the city’s cultural life.
Strengthening the Education System
While Karachi’s education sector is relatively strong, there is room for further improvement. Ensuring equitable access to quality education, particularly in underserved areas, is crucial. This can be achieved through increased funding for public schools, teacher training programs, and the development of vocational training centers to equip students with practical skills.
Modernizing Infrastructure
A robust infrastructure plan is essential for Karachi’s development. This includes upgrading roads, expanding public transportation networks, improving utility services, and ensuring reliable power and water supply. Smart city initiatives, such as the integration of technology in urban planning and management, can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of infrastructure projects.
Conclusion
Karachi’s ranking as the world’s least liveable city in The Economist Intelligence Unit’s global survey is a wake-up call for the city. While the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. By adopting a holistic and strategic approach, focusing on stability, healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure, Karachi can gradually improve its liveability. Learning from global best practices and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders are key to transforming Karachi into a city that offers a high quality of life for its residents.