Karachi, the bustling metropolis of Pakistan, has been designated as one of the five urban areas with the lowest livability according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)’s Global Livability Index 2023. This ranking highlights the challenges faced by the city in terms of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
Karachi’s Low Ranking:
The EIU’s Global Livability Index 2023 positions Karachi at 169th out of 173 cities evaluated, placing it among the least livable cities in the world. Only Lagos, Algiers, Tripoli, and Damascus have lower rankings than Karachi. This ranking sheds light on the significant room for improvement needed to enhance the livability standards of the city.
Factors Considered in the Index:
The Global Livability Index 2023 assesses the post-Covid recovery of cities worldwide, taking into account various factors that contribute to livability. These factors include stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Each city is assigned a score between 1 and 100, with 1 being considered intolerable and 100 representing an ideal livability standard.
Challenges Faced by Karachi:
Karachi’s overall score of 42.5 reflects its significant shortcomings in meeting desired livability standards. The city performs particularly poorly in the stability category, earning a meager score of 20. This low score indicates that little progress has been made in addressing stability concerns over the past year. Factors such as crime rates, political instability, and social unrest contribute to this challenging situation.
Scores in Different Categories:
The Global Livability Index 2023 assigns scores to various categories to evaluate a city’s livability. Karachi receives a score of 50 for healthcare, indicating room for improvement in the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. In terms of culture and environment, Karachi scores 38.7, highlighting the need to focus on environmental conservation, pollution control, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The city’s education sector receives a score of 75, suggesting a relatively stronger performance in this area. Infrastructure is another crucial aspect, with Karachi receiving a score of 51.8, reflecting the need for investment and development in transportation, utilities, and urban planning.
Past Rankings and Progress:
The city’s current low ranking is not a new phenomenon. In 2019, Karachi ranked a dismal 136 out of 140 cities, emphasizing the persistent challenges it faces in terms of livability. No report was published in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, the city managed to climb slightly to the 134th spot out of 140 cities, but significant improvements are still required to enhance its livability and quality of life for residents.
The Significance of the Global Livability Index:
The Global Livability Index 2023 provides valuable insights into the cities that excel in providing an exceptional quality of life. It serves as a tool for policymakers, city planners, and stakeholders to identify areas that require attention and improvement. By understanding the factors contributing to a city’s livability, measures can be taken to address shortcomings and enhance the overall well-being of its residents.
