KARACHI:
Pakistan’s cities are growing, but the spaces where people can simply exist without having to spend money are disappearing. Open spaces are increasingly giving way to commercial developments and housing projects. For young people in particular, this leaves few places to spend time outside their homes.
The problem is often treated as secondary to more immediate urban needs. Yet public spaces are an essential part of a liveable city. Parks provide relief from heat and pollution, playgrounds give children room for physical activity, while libraries and community spaces allow people from different backgrounds to interact. Their value cannot be measured only in terms of the revenue that a piece of land can generate.
Existing public spaces therefore should be protected from encroachment and commercialisation, while new housing developments should be required to provide accessible green and recreational areas. Local governments must also ensure that these facilities are properly maintained and remain open to everyone. A city should not become a collection of buildings and shopping centres. As Pakistan urbanises, preserving spaces that belong to the public must remain part of how we plan its future.
Mohammad Ali
Karachi
