Goals
11
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
SDG Goal 11, "Sustainable Cities and Communities," aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It focuses on managing rapid urbanization, providing access to basic services, ensuring sustainable urban planning, and protecting cultural and natural heritage. By improving air quality, waste management, public transport, and green spaces, Goal 11 seeks to enhance quality of life, reduce urban environmental impact, and promote sustainable growth. Achieving this goal is crucial for creating inclusive, disaster-resilient, and environmentally sustainable cities, contributing to overall sustainable development and improved living conditions worldwide.
Statistics of Pakistan
Urban Population Growth
As of 2021, Pakistan's urban population is growing at an annual rate of 2.7%, with approximately 37.2% of the total population residing in urban areas.
Access to Basic Services
Only about 64% of the urban population in Pakistan has access to improved sanitation facilities, highlighting significant disparities in access to basic services.
Air Quality
Major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad regularly experience air quality levels that exceed the safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO), with particulate matter (PM2.5) levels often reaching hazardous levels.
Public Transport
The availability and use of public transport in urban areas remain limited. For instance, in Karachi, less than 40% of the population uses public transport, indicating a heavy reliance on private vehicles and contributing to traffic congestion and pollution.
Waste Management
Effective waste management remains a challenge, with only around 60% of municipal solid waste being collected and properly disposed of in urban areas.
Green Spaces
Urban green spaces are scarce, with cities like Lahore having only about 1.4 square meters of green space per capita, far below the WHO recommended standard of 9 square meters per capita.