Karachi set to become world’s 5th largest city: UN

Dubai: Pakistan’s financial hub, Karachi, is projected to become the fifth largest city in the world by 2050, according to the United Nations’ World Urbanisation Prospects 2025.

The city’s population is expected to soar to nearly 33 million, overtaking Cairo, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Manila, and Kolkata in the coming decades.

The report highlights Karachi’s rapid urban growth, which has positioned it among the 10 least liveable cities globally, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Currently, the city is home to approximately 25,000 people per square kilometre, making it one of the world’s most densely populated urban centres.

“Karachi’s growth reflects broader trends in Asia, which already hosts more than half of the world’s 33 megacities in 2025,” the UN report said. By 2050, it is projected there will be 37 megacities worldwide, with cities in India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the United States driving a significant portion of global urban population growth, Dawn online reported.

The surge in Karachi’s population poses both opportunities and challenges. As Pakistan’s economic engine, the city attracts millions seeking employment, education, and healthcare. Yet the rapid growth has intensified pressures on infrastructure, housing, transportation, and public services, underscoring the need for comprehensive urban planning.

Historically, Karachi has been the country’s primary port city and commercial hub. Its sprawling urban landscape is home to diverse communities, major industries, and financial institutions. Experts warn that without strategic planning, population pressures could exacerbate social and environmental challenges, including congestion, pollution, and inadequate access to essential services.

The UN report also noted global urbanisation trends: the number of megacities has quadrupled since 1975, and today, more people live in cities than in rural areas. Between 2000 and 2025, urban populations increased by 1.25 billion, with over half of this growth concentrated in just a handful of countries, including Pakistan.