As a student at the University of Karachi now entering my final year, I have witnessed first-hand how slow and fragmented development projects continue to affect our city, particularly those marketed under the banner of ‘Smart City’ initiatives.
A prime example is the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, especially the station near the Silver Jubilee Gate of Karachi University. While the Green Line began operation years ago, the station’s surroundings remain poorly managed. There is no dedicated pedestrian bridge or safe walkway for students, no proper signage, and more importantly, no functioning feeder routes to connect nearby areas like Safoora, Maskan and Gulzar-e-Hijri where thousands of students and staff reside.
This situation has created a paradox: we have a major public transport line passing right by one of the country’s largest universities, yet it’s barely usable for the people who need it most.
The idea of a smart city is about functional urban design, inclusive planning and ensuring that projects are completed, connected and maintained. Karachi’s development still reflects delays, poor integration, and lack of user-focused planning. I sincerely urge the relevant authorities to re-evaluate these projects, not just in terms of completion dates, but in terms of usability and access. A smart city must first be a working city reliable, safe, and inclusive for its people.
Sabiha Kashif
Karachi
