Cities for humanity and development – i

Pakistan has some of the largest cities in the world with currently Karachi having over 15 million inhabitants, Lahore having about 12 million people, and about 20 cities in total having populations of above a million. The rapid urbanization that the country has seen has also brought about its share of issues with the current urban landscape dominated by a shortage of urban space; automobiles induced congestion and uncontrolled urban sprawling due to policy emphasis on single-use family housing units. To increase awareness and create a dialogue on issues that affect the country’s cities, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) recently organized a series of webinars entitled ‘Cities for Humanity & Development’. The webinars brought together international experts, urban planners, and other related professionals in discussing the issues that are faced by both cities in general and more specifically by cities in Pakistan.