Karachi Ranks Among World's Least Liveable Cities
Karachi has been identified as one of the world's least liveable cities, securing the 170th position out of 173 on the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index for 2026. This annual ranking assesses cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure to gauge challenges to an individual's lifestyle. Karachi's overall score was 43 out of 100, indicating significant deficiencies across most categories, with only Dhaka, Tripoli, and Damascus scoring lower. Specifically, the city received a score of 20 for stability, 54 for healthcare, 36 for culture and environment, and 52 for infrastructure. Its performance in education was notably higher, with a score of 75. The report highlights issues such as extensive road construction, traffic congestion, inadequate waste management, and frequent power outages, all of which contribute to the city's poor liveability assessment. Visual evidence accompanying the report depicts these challenges, including motorcyclists navigating broken roads, accumulated trash in waterways, and residents dealing with gas and electricity shortages.
Karachi's low ranking on the EIU Global Liveability Index underscores systemic challenges in urban management and infrastructure development. The index's metrics reveal a critical need for improved stability, environmental conditions, and basic services like waste disposal and reliable power. Addressing these issues requires integrated urban planning that prioritizes long-term sustainability over piecemeal solutions, potentially leveraging technological advancements in smart city infrastructure and resource management. Future policy decisions should focus on creating resilient urban environments that can adapt to demographic pressures and climate change, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents and improving the city's global standing.
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