Each year, the onset of the monsoon season brings not only rainfall but also, unfortunately, considerable suffering for many people. Media reports often cover incidents of drowning, fatalities, accidents, electrocutions, and the collapse of infrastructure or housing.
While the media highlights issues of mismanagement and inadequate preparations for the monsoon, this coverage typically lasts only a few days or weeks at most. Unfortunately, this pattern fades quickly as attention shifts to other news events. This recurring yearly cycle reveals a troubling lack of accountability and a failure to implement sustainable reforms.
Extreme weather events are increasingly prominent not just in Pakistan, but everywhere. However, some characteristics are specific to Pakistan. One is the lack of urban resilience that even brief spells of rainfall can pose challenges for citizens. The phenomenon of urban flooding has become a rampant issue, primarily attributed to man-made factors rather than natural causes. The rapid growth of city boundaries has turned natural landscapes, such as wetlands, into impermeable surfaces like roads and buildings, which reduces rainwater absorption and increases overflow. Construction in low-lying areas also obstructs water flow and increases flood risk.
Poorly designed, inadequately maintained, and overly burdened drainage systems further intensify urban flooding. Improper waste disposal practices are obstructing drainage systems and intensifying flooding challenges. Additionally, solid waste is disposed of at open dumping sites located near waterways, which clogs natural drainage systems. This problem stems from inadequate urban planning, and there is currently no effective monitoring system in place to address serious environmental risks.
An inefficiently planned transportation infrastructure has contributed to a growing reliance on private vehicles, increasing air pollution. Removal of trees and vegetation for highways and bridges is further exacerbating the situation. Pakistan’s five-percent forest cover is significantly below the recommended benchmark of 25 percent, which is another reason for flooding in cities, disrupting human lives, property, and existing infrastructure.
Urban centres are pivotal to economic development; however, they encounter substantial challenges when not designed to accommodate and adapt to evolving dynamics. A city lacking the capacity to absorb, adapt, and transform in response to population growth or environmental changes jeopardizes the safety and well-being of its residents against natural calamities.
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world. In the past 30 years, the urban population has more than tripled. This rapid urbanization has strained infrastructure and resources. Cities have expanded chaotically beyond their administrative boundaries to absorb the rising population.
Historically, urban planning in Pakistan has been marked by ad hoc and unregulated development and inconsistent planning practices. Beyond that, cities are struggling with ineffective policies and political interference.
The challenge of effective governance persists across all major cities. All are showing significant urban planning deficiencies and growth in informal settlements, which often lack essential facilities. In 2022, approximately 56 percent of Pakistan’s urban population lived in slums. Even Islamabad, considered a planned city, is not without challenges related to uneven growth and expansion.
For the well-being of the population in Pakistan, better awareness of the ecological issues is essential. Citizen participation is crucial. When cities involve citizens in planning and decision-making, it creates a sense of ownership among them. This engagement helps communities feel more connected and leads to more effective and sustainable resilience strategies.
Pakistan has acknowledged the importance of addressing climate change, as reflected in the 2025-2026 budget. Several strategies and policies have been announced or drafted, including the National Climate Change Policy 2021, the National Adaptation Plan, and Nationally Determined Contributions, among others, in line with global agreements, primarily aimed at reducing emissions. However, there is still no tailored climate strategy or adaptation framework that explicitly addresses Pakistan’s unique needs and challenges.
While these frameworks recognize the significance of urban resilience, they do not specifically address the challenges faced by Pakistan. Pakistan’s challenges go beyond financial constraints. There is an urgent need to address fragmented governance and improve coordination among planning, disaster management, and climate mitigation departments. Limited technical capacity within local municipalities, combined with a lack of comprehensive data, further hinders effective urban planning and management.
It is crucial to explore ways to generate local resources for the effective operation of institutions at the local level. Municipalities have limited influence over major planning decisions, with significant decisions made by government departments, such as the district administration. The disconnect between private actions and public interventions creates conflicts that necessitate crisis management rather than planned solutions.
Pakistani cities need regeneration to build their climate resilience. The capacity of urban areas, particularly those that are older, degraded, or underserved, must be enhanced to withstand climate-related stress. The process involves the development of climate-resilient housing, infrastructure, and basic utilities, as well as the application of urban cooling strategies, effective water resource and waste-disposal management, inclusive planning practices, and the integration of circular economy principles.
Urban regeneration revitalizes cities by enhancing their capabilities and by utilizing local resources. For example, following the 2011 floods, Copenhagen invested in climate-resilient design, with parks serving as stormwater basins and roads designed to direct water to green spaces.
Developing sustainable and resilient cities requires coordinated efforts and strategic investments. Governments at all levels (federal, provincial, and local or municipal) must act to shape cities for residents. Existing policies need to be reviewed to better respond to local needs. Regular collection of city-level data is crucial for fostering resilience and finding solutions to issues such as water, sanitation, affordable housing, education, healthcare, and a sustainable environment.
For the well-being of the population in Pakistan, better awareness of the ecological issues is essential. Citizen participation is crucial. When cities involve citizens in planning and decision-making, it creates a sense of ownership among them. This engagement helps communities feel more connected and leads to more effective and sustainable resilience strategies.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 emphasizes the need to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. To thrive, we must adopt urban planning that ensures affordable, green, and enriching living conditions for everyone.
