Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub, has again been placed near the bottom of a major global livability ranking, with specific concern over its culture and environment score. According to the Global Liveability Index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Karachi scored just 35.9 out of 100 in the culture and environment category — a low figure that experts say reflects ongoing environmental and social challenges in the city.
The EIU’s annual survey evaluates cities worldwide on multiple factors, including stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and culture and environment. Karachi’s low score in this sub‑index points to issues such as limited recreational spaces, poor urban planning, inadequate pollution control, and a lack of cultural amenities compared with more liveable cities.
Urban analysts say that boosting Karachi’s culture and environment rating will require concerted public policy efforts to expand parks, protect green areas, improve air and water quality, and enhance public cultural venues. Such improvements are essential not only for residents’ quality of life but also to attract investment, tourism, and long‑term urban growth.
The low score underscores the urgent need for city authorities and community leaders to prioritise environmental sustainability and cultural development as part of Karachi’s broader urban transformation strategy.
