Pakistan’s financial capital Karachi has been ranked as one of the world’s least livable cities. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has ranked the city at 169th on its Global Livability Index 2023. Only Lagos, Algiers, Tripoli, and Damascus were ranked lower than Karachi.
The EIU ranking is based on various factors, including crime rates, housing affordability, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. In its survey, the EIU compared 173 cities from around the world. The top five most livable cities were Vienna, Austria; Copenhagen, Denmark; Zurich, Switzerland; and Calgary, Canada. The most miniature livable city was Damascus, Syria. The report also downgraded the ratings of several Russian cities and excluded Kyiv over the ongoing conflict there.
Karachis score was 42.5, which is far below the intended livability standards. It performed poorly in the stability category with a rating of 20, similar to 2022, suggesting that its situation has not improved significantly over the past year. Its other scores were 50 for healthcare, 38.7 for culture and environment, 75 for education, and 51.8 for infrastructure.
Karachi is home to some of the world’s best medical facilities despite the shaky economy. It is also a central hub for international business and trade. However, the country’s soaring inflation and political instability are causing people to struggle financially. The power tussle between Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-PM Shehbaz Sharif has worsened.
In terms of crime, the city has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. However, a recent law enforcement reform is aimed at tackling the problem.
According to the report, Karachi also needs more proper sanitation and water supply. In addition, the city is plagued with poor air quality and overcrowded public transportation systems. The EIU warns that the city could see its ranking slide further if the current situation deteriorates.
