Home > Responding to the transport crisis in Karachi
Author(s):
The Urban Resource Centre, Arif Hasan, and Mansoor Raza
Publisher:
International Institute for Environment and Development
Pages:
49
Year:
2015
Focus country:
Pakistan
Focus city:
Karachi
Transport-related problems in Karachi, Pakistan have increased considerably in recent decades. Traffic congestion contributes to increased air and noise pollution, leading to health problems, high accident rates, and environmental degradation. It has also meant declining living standards, as to avoid long commutes, people’s livelihood choices have become more limited and this has determined where they live. This has resulted in a drop in income and a decrease in personal security, which has affected the most vulnerable, in particular women. This paper presents a historical perspective on the causes of the current crisis, and its repercussions on transporters, fuel suppliers, and the public. It outlines current government plans and makes recommendations.