Abstract
Rapid urbanization is a major issue facing countries across the world
today. This phenomenon is on the rise in Pakistan also which is
urbanizing at an annual rate of 3% reported as the fastest pace in South
Asia (Kotkin and Cox, 2013). Increased urbanization in Pakistan may be
attributed to the natural growth in population and external and internal
migration to metropolitan areas. Due to the varied definitions of
urbanization and the absence of latest census data research on the issue
is quite challenging. The paper deliberated upon the issue in the specific
context of Pakistan and analyzes it in view of different approaches to
development i.e. conventional approach in 1960; complementary
approach of 1970s; New Public Management Approach in 1980; and
governance approach of 1990s and onwards. Instead of viewing
urbanization as a problem for effective governance it supports the
complementary and urban governance view and emphasize on addressing
the issue with a renewed interest. The paper postulates that urbanization
in Pakistan needs to have a tremendous focus on governance structure
and policies including; access to education, housing, transportation,
employment and public health at an augmented level. It also requires an
increased interest in economic wellbeing of people and a sound political
system of decentralized local governance. Since urbanization is a context
specific phenomenon, the issue needs to be addressed by policy makers
and governing institutions in line with indigenous demands and relevant
interventions in the form of sustainable policies and their effective
implementation and evaluation. Norms of urban governance in the
country require a renewed focus on efficiency, transparency,
participation, accountability, social justice, and security for all
individuals at all levels. Good or good enough governance in the
Pakistan is only hoped for if political stability, economic growth and
human development are aligned with rapidly increasing urbanization in
the country
Nasira Jabeen, Umm-e- Farwa, Musa Jadoon. (2017) URBANIZATION IN PAKISTAN: A GOVERNANCE PERSPECTIVE, Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan, Volume 54, Issue 1.
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