Pakistan's largest metropolis, Karachi, has once again been ranked among the world's least livable cities, according to the latest annual report published by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

Out of 173 cities assessed globally, Karachi was placed at 170th position, making it one of the bottom four cities in terms of livability. The EIU's rankings are based on five key categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Karachi scored only 42.7 points out of a possible 100.

In stark contrast, Copenhagen was named the world's most livable city with a score of 98, followed by Vienna, Zurich, Melbourne, and Geneva.

Karachi was the only Pakistani city featured in the global index, but it ranked among cities like Damascus (Syria), Tripoli (Libya), and Lagos (Nigeria), which have long been plagued by conflict, poor governance, and deteriorating urban conditions.

The decline in Karachi's livability is not new. The city ranked 169th in the same index two years ago. In 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had also issued a critical warning, stating that Pakistan's urban centers—especially Karachi—are becoming increasingly unlivable due to traffic congestion, pollution, mismanagement, and stark socio-economic divides.

The city's eastern districts are home to large low-income populations, while privileged groups largely reside in cantonment zones and private housing societies. Karachi remains deeply segregated along ethnic, religious, and class lines, with a history of communal violence.

Further compounding the city's challenges, a separate report in July 2024 had ranked Karachi as the second most dangerous city for tourists. The assessment cited high crime rates, terrorism threats, poor disaster preparedness, and lack of basic services as major risks.

The urban experts and civil society have long urged for urgent and comprehensive reforms in Karachi's governance structure, infrastructure planning, and public services to reverse the city's continued decline. As it stands, Karachi—despite being Pakistan's financial and industrial hub—continues to face a crisis of livability, pushing away both its residents and potential investors.