The capital city of Islamabad is under severe stress owing to the growing population at an alarming pace due to lack of proper planning and policies. Before 2017, one would not find large numbers of vehicles, and, as such, traffic congestion was rare.
However, over the last few years, Islamabad has witnessed an influx of people. Apart from locals, a number of Afghans and Africans have settled in some parts of the capital city. It is worth wondering whether the refugees living in the capital have legal status or have been staying without valid documents.
Given the changing demographics and regional dynamics, the entire country is undergoing rapid urbanisation, which to some extent is good for the country. But, as the saying goes, the devil lies in the details, and the rapid and unplanned influx may complicate life in the relatively safe city if the process goes unchecked.
To this end, the government needs to deliberate upon the abrupt rise in the capital’s population. Besides, Pakistan’s population growth rate is the highest in the region, which risks the country’s prosperity in the long term. Indeed, the time for action is now; the people have had enough of promises.
SYED IMDAD ALI
ISLAMABAD
Islamabad congestion
