KARACHI:
Infrastructure development in different areas of the country has speeded up urbanisation. People from across the country move to these areas in search of better livelihoods. Although this is often considered a positive outcome, large numbers of people have become permanently concentrated in small areas. Resultantly, urban areas in Pakistan have become heavily congested and polluted.
The large numbers of factories and industries located in a few cities have intensified environmental pollution in these areas. For instance, Lahore and Karachi consistently rank among some of the most polluted cities in the world. Poisonous emissions from factories coupled with vehicular emissions have worsened the environment. In addition, green belts and trees have been significantly reduced to create housing for the burgeoning population in the cities. Industrial and domestic waste is regularly disposed into water bodies. This is affecting water, fertile land, air, etc and raising the risks of serious illnesses and diseases.
Many cities are now struggling to cater to such a large population, which has increased issues like homelessness, disease, etc. Most cities are experiencing increased lawlessness. Municipal authorities lack the resources to facilitate all localities. As more and more people continue immigrating to the handful of urban cities, many of the aforementioned issues will intensify beyond control and the cities will become ungovernable. Thus, the government should consider developing rural and remote areas of the country to improve people’s livelihoods and create employment opportunities. It must also improve public transport in urban areas to reduce environmental impacts.
Malaika Shafique
Rawalpindi
Published in The Express Tribune, January 14th, 2023.
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