Smart city

One of the root causes of Karachi’s decline is uncontrolled population growth and illegal settlements. The government must enforce a mandatory city registration system and create a central residents’ database. A digital land and utility verification system must also be implemented to map and verify all properties, disconnecting utilities from illegal plots. Finally, Karachi must adopt a smart-city model, integrating housing, utilities and policing through a unified, tech-based system.

Irregular housing must be replaced by affordable high-rises and all residents must be digitally registered. These measures are difficult but necessary. Karachi cannot survive half-hearted campaigns. The city must be decongested and digitized to restore security, enforce planning and ensure its future.

Ayesha Almz

Karachi