URBANISATION, widely viewed as a symbol of progress and modernity, has become a key development strategy in many countries, with larger cities emerging as centers of economic growth and improved living standards. However, in countries like Pakistan, the rapid pace of urbanization and the resulting urban sprawl present significant challenges, particularly given the already considerable urban-rural divide.
In Pakistan, urbanization has accelerated dramatically, with the urban population increasing from just 17% in 1951 to nearly 39% in 2024. Projections suggest that within the next five years, nearly half of the country’s population will reside in major cities. This trend of expanding urban areas, known as urban sprawl, is causing significant strain on metropolitan regions such as Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi/Islamabad. The lion’s share of the national development budget is allocated to these cities, funding major projects like the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit in Karachi and urban housing and sanitation improvements in Lahore and Islamabad. This concentration of resources exacerbates existing socio-economic disparities and deepens the rural-urban divide.
The skewed allocation of funds highlights a significant imbalance in resource distribution. Urban areas receive substantial financial support, while rural regions are allocated comparatively fewer resources, focusing mainly on agricultural support and basic rural infrastructure. This urban-centric development model creates a magnetic pull for individuals from smaller cities and rural areas, who migrate to these urban centers in search of better employment opportunities, healthcare, education, and living standards. As a result, cities become overcrowded, leading to sub-urbanization and increased pressure on existing infrastructure.
Overcrowded cities struggle to provide adequate services as the influx of new residents overwhelms existing systems. This surge in population drives up housing prices, forcing many to live in substandard conditions or informal settlements with limited amenities. Although urban areas offer numerous job opportunities, employment growth cannot keep up with the population increase, leading to higher unemployment and underemployment. Additionally, rapid urban expansion causes severe environmental issues, including the destruction of green spaces, resource overuse, and strained waste management systems, which result in improper disposal, air and water quality deterioration, and health hazards like respiratory and waterborne diseases. The smog crisis in Lahore illustrates the adverse environmental impacts of over-urbanization.
The strain on infrastructure, including roads and public transport, results in severe traffic congestion and extended commute times, reducing productivity and overall well-being. Ineffective urban planning exacerbates these issues, making it challenging for cities to adapt sustainably to their growing populations. Without effective management, urbanization can transform potential hubs of opportunity into sources of socio-economic disparity and environmental crises. To address these issues, it is crucial to invest in the development of smaller cities and rural areas. Incentivizing businesses to invest in and develop less urbanized regions can stimulate local economies, create job opportunities, and improve living standards without necessitating migration. This decentralized approach can alleviate migration pressures on major cities and promote balanced growth throughout the country. By identifying and supporting local products and services, and allocating a larger portion of the development budget to smaller cities and rural areas, the government can foster equitable growth and enhance regional development.
A balanced approach to development that addresses both urban and rural needs is essential for sustainable and equitable growth in Pakistan. Investing in less urbanized regions can reduce urban pressures, promote more even resource distribution, and improve the overall quality of life for citizens, addressing the challenges of urbanization while fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society.
—The writer is a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies, Lahore.
