Karachi, once a shining example of state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern education, has been ranked as the least liveable city in a global survey by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). This survey, which ranks 173 cities worldwide based on various critical factors, has again placed Karachi near the bottom of the list. The EIU, a sister organization to The Economist, assessed cities on health care, culture and environment, stability, infrastructure, and education.
The cities were scored on a scale from one to 100, with one indicating an intolerable living situation and 100 representing an ideal one. According to the report, Karachi received an overall score of 42.7, with its performance particularly poor in the stability category, where it scored only 20.
Breaking down the scores, Karachi earned 54.2 for healthcare, 35.9 for culture and environment, 75 for education, and 51.8 for infrastructure. These figures highlight the city’s struggles in maintaining a stable and livable environment for its residents. The megalopolis, known for its bustling port and vibrant history, now grapples with significant challenges that impact the quality of life for its inhabitants.
This report comes at a time when Pakistan is enduring a protracted political and economic crisis. The country’s political instability, economic downturn, and security concerns have contributed to the declining livability of its largest city. Karachi’s ranking reflects broader national issues that affect its governance and public services, exacerbating the city’s existing problems.
In stark contrast, Vienna, Austria, continues to top the list of most liveable cities with an impressive overall score of 98.4. Denmark’s Copenhagen retained its second position, while Switzerland’s Zurich moved up from sixth place to third. These cities exemplify the benefits of strong governance, robust infrastructure, and comprehensive public services.
Western Europe, in general, performed well in the rankings, with 30 cities achieving an average score of 92 out of 100. However, the region did see an overall decline in stability scores, attributed to “increasing instances of disruptive protests” and crime. Despite these issues, Western European cities continue to offer high standards of living.
The top 10 most liveable cities of 2024 are as follows:
- Vienna, Austria
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Melbourne, Australia
- Calgary, Canada
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Sydney, Australia
- Vancouver, Canada
- Osaka, Japan
- Auckland, New Zealand
These cities have maintained high rankings due to their consistent performance across all measured categories. They provide excellent healthcare, vibrant cultural and environmental scenes, stable governance, solid infrastructure, and quality education systems. Their success stories contrast sharply with Karachi’s struggles, highlighting the disparities in urban livability across the globe.
Karachi’s poor ranking underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and interventions. Addressing the root causes of its instability, improving healthcare and infrastructure, and fostering a more vibrant cultural environment are essential steps towards making Karachi a more liveable city. The local government, along with national authorities, must prioritize these areas to uplift the city and provide a better quality of life for its residents.
The EIU’s report serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Karachi and other similarly ranked cities. It emphasizes the importance of stable governance, robust infrastructure, and comprehensive public services in achieving a high standard of urban livability. For Karachi, the path to improvement is clear, but it requires dedicated effort and significant investment to overcome the obstacles it faces.
Karachi’s ranking as the least liveable city in the EIU’s global survey highlights the city’s numerous challenges amid Pakistan’s political and economic crises. With scores reflecting poor stability, healthcare, culture, and infrastructure, Karachi’s situation contrasts sharply with the world’s most liveable cities. The report calls for urgent reforms to address these issues and improve the quality of life for Karachi’s residents, while showcasing the successes of top-ranked cities as models to aspire towards.
