Karachi has once again been placed among the world’s least liveable cities, ranking 169th out of 173 cities in the Global Liveability Index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The annual survey assesses urban centres worldwide on key factors such as stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and culture and environment to determine overall quality of life.
According to the 2023 report, Karachi’s low position reflects ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan’s largest city, including weak infrastructure, limited access to quality public services, and persistent safety and security concerns. Only a small number of cities such as Lagos, Algiers, Tripoli, and Damascus ranked lower on the global list.
The EIU’s index, which scores cities on a scale up to 100, shows that Karachi’s rating remains far below the global average, highlighting significant room for improvement in several critical areas that affect daily living standards. Urban planners and analysts say the ranking underscores deep structural issues and the urgent need for reforms in governance, public safety, and municipal services.
Despite its status as Pakistan’s economic and cultural hub, improvements in planning, infrastructure investment, and social services are seen as essential to improving Karachi’s future livability scores.
