1 RAVINDAR KUMAR

Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Planning,

NED University of Engineering and Technology Karachi-75270
E-mail: rkrkhian@neduet.edu.pk
2 MUNIR AHMED MEMON
Lecturer, Department of Architecture and Planning
NED University of Engineering and Technology Karachi-75270
E-mail: mamkhi@neduet.edu.pk
MEGA CITY KARACHI WITH 18 TOWNS
WAITING FOR PLANNING & REFORM
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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PAST PRESENT FUTURE
Worldwide, the cities of both developing and developed
countries are struggling with problems of managing rapid
growth. wh||e c|t|es occupy on|y two percent of Earth's
landmass, they contain fifty percent of world population,
consumes seventy five percent of worlds resources, and
produce seventy five percent of its wastes.
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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MANAGING
RAPID
URBAN
GROWTH
IN THE
WORLD
By the year 2030, almost 60% of Third World populations will
live in cities. In this respect the major pressure of
urbanisation will be evident on Asian cities.
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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MANAGING
RAPID
URBAN
GROWTH
IN THIRD
WORLD
Pakistan is a country where the process of urbanisation is neither
understood nor recognized due to absence of regular research,
documentation and scrutiny of urban growth & development.
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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MANAGING
RAPID
URBAN
GROWTH
IN
PAKISTAN
The city of Karachi is
the major urban center
and largest mega city
of Pakistan
with 18 towns
waiting for planning
and reform.
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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MANAGING
RAPID
URBAN
GROWTH
IN
KARACHI
6
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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The objective of this paper is to
comprehend the city of Karachi, from
three basic perspectives.
1. One the retrospect of urban growth and development in the
city,
2. Second the efforts of urban planning in the city and
3. Third the urban planning for the future of this city.
PART I:
THE RETROSPECT OF URBAN GROWTH
AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY
7
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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Recognition and Respect for Historical Monuments of Karachi
The oldest place in Karachi is 'Va|adev Terp|e of 1000BC and 'Rar 8au| of same
time now known as Aram Baugh.
Karachi has 1000 & 1200 AD Khanqah of Abdullah/Yousuf Shah Ghazi & Pir Mangho
Karachi has a Varun Dev temple of 1500 AD
Karachi was the capital city of Raja Diborai in 16
th
century AD.
Karachi also has 150 Years old Swami Narain Temple
The public representatives and citizens at large know very little about these important
places which had attracted a large number of pilgrims from the interior of Sindh, Kutch,
Rajasthan and Western Cost of India, since time immemorial.
8
"Hahadev Temp|e" "Ram augh"
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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"8wam| Nara|n Temp|e" "Varun 0ev Temp|e"
Urban Growth in Pre British Period (1728 - 1838)
Kharak Bandar was an important port on Arabian Sea in late 17
th
& early 18
th
century located 40 km away in the west of Karachi.
This was silted up in 1728 due to heavy rains and as harbour could no longer be
used the Hindu merchants of Kharak Bandar decided to relocate their activities to
current port of Karachi.
In 1729 a fortified settlement was built by Hindu merchants on 35 acres in the north
of current port with the mud & timber reinforcement and 16 feet high walls with gun-
mounted turrets and two gates.
The settlement was surrounded by various small villages of Baloch community i.e.
Lyari, Khadda and Machi Miani
Some pilgrimage places of Ram Baugh and Mahadev Temple was also existed
and visited by Saadhoos and Saints from all over subcontinent.
The local village communities warmly welcomed all guests and used to sell their
products in the markets within the fort city of Karachi.
Thus, the initial character of Karachi was as trade town and pilgrimage place.
9
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Relocation of Port from Hub River Estuary
to Present Site of Karachi Port
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RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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Alligators near Khanqah of Pir Mangho Talpur Mirs Old Citizens
Urban Growth in Pre British Period (1728 - 1838)
Location of Fort City Karachi and
Surrounding Villages in Pre British Period
11
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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Sketches of Karachi in Pre British Period
12
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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By the year 1838 British occupied Karachi and shifted the capital of Sindh from Hyderabad.
Subsequently they made Sindh as a district of Bombay presidency & Karachi as a district head
quarter.
As a repercussion the city become a prominent location with re-structuring and addition of new areas
in the city. For instance;
The walls of fort city of Karachi were bowed down by the British army;
British troops were stationed at Saddar & Cantonment area;
District administration was housed at Civil Lines area;
Port was developed to market agricultural produce of Sindh to Great Britain;
Many British companies opened their offices & warehouses in Karachi;
Many Church buildings were developed.
Thus; as British occupied Karachi they developed another British city away from the local city.
Once there was only a Native city of fortified town and its suburban villages; now consists of a parallel
European city including the areas of cantonment, civil lines and Saddar bazaar.
In between the Native and European town was artillery ground with guns to protect British from any
revolution.
13
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Urban Growth in British Period (1838 - 1947)
Urban Expansion, Growth and Development of
Karachi from 1922 to 1944
14
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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During the year 1838 to 1947 the population of Karachi has increased from 14000 to
435000 inhabitants. Various new institutions and built up spaces developed.
It includes, law courts, revenue departments, line departments and social sector
departments.
Similarly the residential, commercial & office buildings increased due to new seat of
power.
Urban Growth in British Period (1838 - 1947)
15
Karachi in the British Period
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Urban Growth in British Period (1838 - 1947)
Urban Growth in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
At the time of Independence in 1947 the city had an organized settlement pattern, at least in
its south. Clifton, Bath Island, Civil Lines, E.I. Lines were the key locations for high income
group people. Old Town Quarters, Jamshed Quarters, Rambagh Quarters and adjoining
areas were the main locations for middle income peop|e's res|derces. Lyari, Chakiwara,
Khadda and Muaripur were the locations for lower income group.
In the overall respect, the city had a municipal system. It was clean and well managed.
People had adequate housing facilities.
After independence population multiplied 2 times within three years i.e. from 435000
inhabitants in 1947 to 10,50,000 people in 1951.
This caused a major twist in the geography and sociology of the city due to refugees.
They were mostly poor and destitute and occupied every available space and property in the
city.
Public buildings, schools, colleges, parks and playgrounds, all were encroached.
Initially, government allowed this squatting. However the conditions of living deteriorated in
city due to poor infrastructure.
16
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
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KARACHI AFTER PARTITION CLIFTON, BATH
ISLAND, CIVIL LINES, E.I. LINES
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RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
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Urban Growth in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
KARACHI AFTER PARTITION OLD TOWN QUARTERS,
JAMSHED QUARTERS, RAMBAGH QUARTERS
18
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Urban Growth in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
KARACHI AFTER PARTITION LYARI,
CHAKIWARA, KHADDA AND MUARIPUR
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RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
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Urban Growth in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
KARACHI AFTER PARTITION
BECOME CITY OF MIGRANTS
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RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
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Urban Growth in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
Then refugee colonies were planned and developed. Landhi Refugee Colony is an
example. The Government decided to provide built housing units to the people on
very easy installments.
This approach was not successful. High cost and time lag were two main reasons.
People also did not like the location and design of this type.
21
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Urban Growth in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
For middle income group, cooperative societies were planned and developed.
PECHS, KAECHS, KCHS, MACHS and Delhi Mercantile Society are few examples.
For high income group, locations like KDA Scheme-1 were planned and developed.
However; housing remained a problem for low and middle groups even till today.
22
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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PECHS KAECHS MACHS
Delhi Mercantile
Society & KDA
Scheme - 1
Urban Growth in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
PART II:
EFFORTS OF URBAN PLANNING FOR
THE CITY OF KARACHI
23
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Urban Planning in Pre British Eras
Karachi in pre British eras begun as a rural settlement of fishermen with a Shiva temple as a focal point.
At that time the city was not planned as such.
In 10
th
and 12
th
Century AD respectively the Mausoleum of Abdullah Shah Ghazi was made near the
Mahadev temple and the monastery of Pir Mangho was established in the outskirts of city which made
it as a plural society.
Buried under the government houses on Bath Island are the remains of the sixteenth century capital of
Maharaja Diborai. Thus in the 16
th
Century AD for the first time the rural settlement of Karachi
transformed into a city. The city had a palace for the King on a high mound and its army at lower sides.
A classical Hindu city planning was evident with wood and brick construction.
Afterwards another type of physical planning efforts made by Hindu merchants and built a medieval
style of fort in Karachi. Within this fort the town consists of all those built up spaces & open spaces
which could secure the inhabitants from all external threats and provide with them the sustainable life
style of that time.
At present the Bath Island area is of high economic value the historic palace and other such structures
are now exists no more. Nor even a single remain is available at present because this area cannot be
explored. Since partition various Hindu remains were completely destroyed and history is lost.
24
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
R
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In 16
th
Century
Maharaja Diborai built
his Capital City at
Bath Island Karachi
25
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Hindu merchants built a medieval style of fortified
settlement in Karachi.
Urban Planning in Pre British Eras
Urban Planning in British Era
In British period Anglo-Saxon style of city building was evident. The British built
similar spaces in all their colonies as they had in England so they developed
their own city by leaving the locals aside.
They had their white town within Karachi as a well organized place; Whereas;
the remaining brown town expanded in a haphazard fashion.
Many beautiful Anglo-Saxon, Gothic and Hybrid style buildings were added to
city. The colonial masters then connected the city with upcountry provinces
through railway due to which tanneries; oil storage, wood processing industries
and ware housing were developed.
As mentioned in Karachi Urban Land Management Study of the Karachi
Metropolitan Corporation KMC-1990, the Bombay Town Planning Act of 1915
was promulgated in Karachi. This act was primarily meant for setting up and
regulating new neighbourhoods &for streamlining the provision of public and
community facilities.
26
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
R
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K
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When British occupied Karachi they built their
New European City away from Old Native Fort City
27
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Urban Planning in British Era
In 1951-52, a consulting firm Merz Randal Vattan of Sweden developed the first master plan for
Karachi. The MRV Plan recommended that the administration of city shall be moved from central city
to the northern part of the city, to become the new capital city.
The growth corridors for the city was proposed with rapid transportation system between the capital
complex and the existing city.
The construction of 10 stories high residential blocks of flats along Lyari River was also proposed to
settle the refugees with site area as a major industrial center.
The plan could not meet its targets due to faulty record upon which the plan was proposed.
The refugees already occupied the city center area and they dor'l wanted to move out.
In 1958 Martial Law Government decided that the administration shall be shifted to Islamabad.
Migrants came from Punjab due to unemployment in Punjab which increased the population and
many squatter settlements emerged in the city.
The unusual part of the plan was that the city expanded more or less along the same corridors as
proposed in the MRV master plan for Karachi. So in this way the plan has failed to be implemented
and Karachi waited for the next attempt to be made for urban planning.
28
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
Proposed Recommendations of Greater
Karachi Plan i.e. MRV Plan 1951-53
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RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
By the year 1956, the Government of Pakistan hired Doxiadis Associates of Athens to develop a
master plan for the city.
They came up with a proposal known as Greater Karachi Resettlement Plan. The plan proposed two
locations, Landhi Korangi and New Karachi to be developed as self sufficient Satellite townships for
refugees with the provision of employment through industries and commercial areas along with
residential settlement.
This plan remained unable to realize the ground realities. For instance; Most of the people worked in
central city and were not an industrial labour. Due to increase of transportation cost 15% of their
income reduced after shifting to new areas. Time was wasted due to movement of people from home
to work place and back to home. The development process was slow and areas were not developed
in given time as proposed. The plan lacked a long term or even short-term strategy for land use
management. Role of participant authorities was not outlined. Provision of built house to the people
was beyond the capacity of the government. Industrial and commercial development was very slow
compared to the residential occupation.
Thus due to these reasons the plan has failed and further squatter settlements developed along
Nadis and Nallas of Karachi and this plan was dumped and Karachi waited for planning and reform.
30
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
Proposed Recommendations of Greater
Karachi Resettlement Plan 1956-58
31
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
0EVEL0PHENT |N 190'8 0E6A0E
(DISREGARD TO URBAN PLANNING IN KARACHI)
After the failure of Doxiadis Greater Karachi Resettlement Plan, a new phenomenon emerged in
Karachi and that is the organized invasion land through illegal subdivisions (ISDs) on government
land as the Government had no other plan whatsoever to do the urban planning of Karachi.
The basic reason of which is the development of the new capital Islamabad where billions of dollars
were spent in making of new capital.
The money which could be used for the provision of basic services to majority of the citizens was
used to make a most modern city of its time.
As a repercussion urban planning in Karachi was totally forgotten.
The result of which emerged as 'L|rear 0roWl| or 'R|ooor 0eve|oprerl a|or l|e rajor
transportation corridors, railway lines, and rain water drains and rivers of Karachi with the show of
po||l|ca| poWer ard l|e 'Po||l|ca| 0ec|s|ors rade l|e s|ape eorelry ard uroar rorp|o|oy ol l|e
city.
32
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
R
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K
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Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
The land grabbing become the social norm and real estate market and builders determined
the needs of people and provided housing and commercial buildings within their capacities.
The market forces came into full swing and changes took place in the system of urban
development in the city.
That was the turning point in the life cycle of this city and system of urban growth,
development and planning become corrupt and system of illegal subdivision comes into
existence in whole decade as law of the land.
This illegal process continued and expanded drastically and reached at the point where
nobody can control the city any more.
ll Was l|e l|re ol 0's l|al Government bulldozes squatter settlements in city and throws
poor people in outskirts of the city.
Afterwards; there occurred a phenomenal increase in squatter settlements and as there was
no democratic or otherwise system of planning and development so the city of Karachi
waited and waited more for the urban planning.
Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
R
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K
R
When W|o|e decade ol 0's Werl W|l|oul uroar p|arr|r l|er |rlerral|ora| |rsl|lul|ors care
into urban planning scene of Karachi.
By this time Karachi Development Authority came into existence. With the technical and
financial assistance of UNDP and PADCO (Planning and Development Collaborative
International), the Master Plan Department of KDA began the preparation of the Karachi
Development Plan in 1970.
As l|e c|ly |as oecore urraraeao|e oy ear|y Z0's l|e p|ar per|od covered a spar ol 12
years from 1973 to 1985. A wide-ranging data collection exercise was conducted for the
planning of Karachi so as to have valuable statistical backup to the urban planning.
T|e 19Z0's p|ar Was ur|que |r a serse l|al |l loo| |rlo accourl a carelu| ara|ys|s ol l|e pasl
trends and formulated specific targets as per different sectors of urban planning and areas of
different levels.
The population projection, housing demand and need assessment of other facilities,
allocations for land use, growth corridors and establishment of employment opportunities
were carefully considered and planned in this master plan.
Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
R
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K
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One can clearly spell out that it was the best urban planning exercise for the city of Karachi
where all aspects are comprehensively considered.
Although the KDP 1973-85 achieved certain components of its stipulations, it was not fully
implemented due to unrest and dissolve of government.
In the absence of appropriate institutional support it was difficult to implement.
Thus it is proved that even when the plan originates from a well-intentioned objective such
as emphasis on adequate employment, basic infrastructure, food supplies, safe potable
water, environmental sanitation, flood protection and basic institutional changes; it is still
quite difficult to do urban planning for a city.
Thus, due to an entirely limited capacity of the planning authority to persuade, communicate
and enforce the stipulations of the plan, without the support of political government the
above objectives could not be met.
The plan largely believed that the state can deliver the goods but did not elaborate upon the
instruments and mechanisms of political implementation and dealing with the powerful
groups at ground.
Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
R
R
K
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Karachi Development Plan
1973-85
36
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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K
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Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
For example, in housing sector, the master plan emphasized upon its provision to the shelter
less. But the actual ground realities show that the informal sector became more powerful
than the formal sector.
The informal sector was providing shelter through its own illegal mechanism and failed the
public sector housing projects.
The master plan also proposed the financial and governmental changes but did not indicate
them specifically. It addressed various comprehensive and sector programmes without
outlining the basic role of participant actors in the public, private, formal and informal
sectors.
The basic mistake of this plan was the inappropriate assessment of the power of the
informal sector in the city.
'T|e K0P-1973-85 proposed development of the plots with 33% plots is of either 120sq.yrds
or less for poor people but it is failed because small plots not occupied by low income group
and all plots utilized by speculators.
Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
R
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K
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Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
Utility walls concept of Metrovilles Scheme Karachi
Initially there were 3 metrovilles schemes which were initiated to be developed.
The plan of these metrovilles was based on utility wall concept with the connection of water,
electricity and gas and built up bathroom, W.C. and Kitchen space in the house.
Only 2 metrovilles were built. In 1980, this program was stopped.
'T||s prorar |s a|so la||ed oecause ol specu|al|or ard ava||ao|||ly ol c|o|ce & ar a|lerrale
opl|or lo peop|e oecause peop|e Warled lo ou||d l|e|r |ouses as l|ey c|oose.
Thus; again Karachi waited for urban planning and reform.
38
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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K
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39
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
R
R
K
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Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
The failure of Karachi Development Plan 74-85 clearly gave a new concept of urban planning for
Karachi. As a result the Karachi Development Plan 2000 was aimed to provide a framework for
development to the city over the next decade and beyond.
This plan was developed by the K0A's Vasler P|ar ard Erv|rorrerla| Corlro| 0eparlrerl (VPEC0)
with assistance from the UNCHS, UNDP and a team of local and international consultants.
In this plan the emphasis was placed on developing a planning process rather than a master plan per
se.
'T|e Karac|| 0eve|oprerl P|ar - 2000 could not become a legal entity. It remained an academic
exerc|se.
According to an evaluation mission, there were several shortcomings inbuilt in this planning process.
1. One, its technical framework could not be fed with appropriate and reliable database.
2. Two, it did not account for the socio-political realities.
3. Three, the Master Plan and Environmental Control Department (MPECD) of KDA was not strengthened to undertake the
emerging responsibilities.
4. And four, no political support existed for the plan.
0re ray corc|ude l|al l|e process ol p|arr|r corl|rued W|l|oul |earr|r lror l|e pasl exper|erces.
Thus; Karachi waited for urban planning and reform even after this 4
th
attempt after independence.
Output of Karachi Development Plan-2000
40
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
R
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K
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Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
Military rule was imposed on the country in 1999 and the military government introduced
major local government reforms. Karachi was declared a City District to signify it as an urban
area. Also a new Sindh Local Government Ordinance was promulgated in 2001 (SLGO
2001).
The city was subdivided into 18 Towns and 178 Union Councils (UCs). At the same time, the
KMC and development authorities were amalgamated to form a New City District
Government Karachi. Elections for the UCs were held in 2001. The 2001 Local Government
Ordinance (LGO) created autonomous Tehsils/Towns (Sub-district) Municipal
Administrations (TMAs) and City District Governments (CDGs), and made them exclusively
responsible for municipal services in both the rural and urban areas of their jurisdictions.
The KDA which had been responsible for the earlier planning exercises stood annulled with
its functions transferred to the newly established City District Government Karachi (CDGK).
In 2007, the CDGK through the offices of the Master Plan Group of Offices (MPGO)
appointed a local consultant, Engineering Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd. to formulate the Karachi
Strategic Development Plan 2020 (KSDP 2020).
41
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
R
R
K
R
Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
42
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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K
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KARACHI WITH 18 TOWNS
AND 178 UNION COUNCILS
PART III:
THE URBAN PLANNING FOR THE
FUTURE OF THIS CITY
43
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
R
R
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Current Status of Karachi
Karachi has remained the primate city of Pakistan, with a high annual growth rate of
5-7 percent per annum.
Current estimates suggest that the city has about 17 million inhabitants. Karachi
houses 23 per cent of the urban population of Pakistan.
Its current rate of growth is estimated at around 5 per cent, of which 2 per cent is
due to natural increase and 3 per cent to migration from the other parts of the
country.
Karac|| prov|des 25 per cerl ol ledera| reverue ard 15 per cerl ol Pa||slar's ross
domestic product (GDP).
lr add|l|or, 50 per cerl ol l|e courlry's oar| depos|ls ard Z2 per cerl ol a|| |ssued
capital is contributed by the city.
ll |ouses l|e courlry's |aresl sloc| rar|el ard aooul 2 per cerl ol l|e lola|
national industrial establishments.
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RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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Karachi at Present
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
R
K
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The KSDP 2020 was an exercise undertaken on a much reduced scale as compared to the previous
planning initiatives, both in terms of the time spent on preparing the document and the finances involved.
The Plan aimed as it put it to set out a strategic framework and an overall development direction and future
pattern of the city for the next 13 years.
It sought to establish CDGK as the apex planning institution with legal authority for planning and
development controls over all land and buildings within the city.
It focused its recommendations on integration of economic and fiscal planning with spatial planning
recommending public-private partnerships for large real estate development including water front
development.
The plan was approved by the City Council and as such enjoys legal cover (though being disputed by the
Provincial Government!) as compared to the past endeavors.
There is however a concern that has been raised by independent experts that the scale of expansion
envisaged for Karachi is far too large and has not been totally justified in the plan through any scientific
demographic study.
In 2010, the tenure of the elected regimes concluded, and they were replaced by appointed bureaucrats. At
present the elected local governments are not available and Karachi is waiting for Urban Planning.
46
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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K
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Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
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KSDP 2020
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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K
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Urban Planning in Post British Period of
Independent Pakistan (1947 - 2010)
PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF
KARACHI IN FUTURE
The Karachi has developed from a minute scale town to a megacity with a multifaceted city
administration with a variety of establishments of varied character, shape, purpose, control
and working methodology.
As mentioned earlier, both KDA and KMC amalgamated into the City District Government
Karachi in 2001.
However the CDGK did not acquire control of building and development control, which were
managed by the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) which functioned under the
provincial government of Sindh.
Similarly, water and sanitation works remained under the Karachi Water and Sewerage
Board (KWSB).
Deliverance of Urban Planning and Development in Karachi is now undertaken by a
multifarious network of manifold organizations with either particular or common controls as
specified in Table 1 below.
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RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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K
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Table 1: Service Delivery Mechanisms in the
Karachi Planning Region (KPR)
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NATURE OF FUNCTION JURISDICTION LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY, DEPARTMENT OR
UNIT PERFORMING FUNCTION
General administration Karachi Planning Region Local
GoS
Administrator CDGK
Chief Secretary to GoS
Administration of justice Sindh GoS Various civil and criminal courts headed by the Sindh High Court
Police Sindh GoS Home Department, Police Department
Traffic Sindh GoS Traffic Police and Transport & Communication Department CDGK
Land development KMA GoS / Local Authority / Private Sector CDGK, DHA, other development agencies
Housing KPR Same Same
Physical planning KPR Same CDGK, other land owning bodies
Bulk water supply KPR Same KWSB
Retail water distribution KPR Same CDGK, Cantonment Boards & other constituent units under the supervision of KWSB
Sewerage
Works KPR Same KWSB
Treatment plants and maintenance KPR Same KWSB
Fire-fighting KPR Same CDGK, Cantonment Boards, agencies of the armed forces
Environmental control KPR Same CDGK, SEPA
Environmental Sanitation KPR Same CDGK, Cantonment Boards, local authorities
Parks and playgrounds KPR Same Same
Education:
Primary Sindh Same Education Dept., CDGK, Private Sector
Secondary Sindh Federal Govt. / GoS / Private Sector Education Dept., Private Sector
University Sindh GoS Higher Education Commission, Private Sector, GoS
Electricity Sindh Federal Govt. KESC, WAPDA
Gas Sindh Federal Govt. Sui Gas Southern Company
Telephone Sindh Federal Govt. Pakistan Telecommunication Co Ltd, Private Sector
Transport
Buses KPR Private Sector Private Sector, CDGK
Circular Railway KPR Federal Govt. Pakistan Railways, Karachi Urban Transport Corporation
Taxis, mini-buses rickshaws (para transit) KPR Private Sector Private Sector
Port development KPR Federal Govt. KPT, Port Qasim Authority
Airport development KPR Federal Govt. Civil Aviation Authority
Industrial Estates KPR GoS / Federal Govt. SITE, Export Processing Zone Authority, Pakistan Steel
Medical care KPR Federal / GoS / Local Authority
Private Sector
GoP, GoS, Dept. of Health, CDGK, other Councils, Private Sector
Collection of taxes:
Property, betterment, entertainment and motor vehicles taxes Sindh GoS Excise and Taxation Department
Custom, central excise duties, sales and income tax Sindh Federal Govt. Federal Board of Revenue, GoP
Water, conservancy, fire, and other municipal taxes KPR Local Authorities CDGK, Cantonment Boards
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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K
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CONCLUSIONS
The analysis of urban planning in Karachi clearly indicates that the urban planning in Karachi
is in the hands of various institutions at various levels both formal as well as informal.
At best urban planning or a master plan for city can only offer engaging and civil guidance to
the concerned departments, authorities and people.
Similarly the planning process cannot resist opposition of informal sector.
A Wor|ao|e soc|opo||l|ca| orar|sr |s l|e or|y Way oul lo ra|e peop|e's des|res |rlo ar
outline for urban development.
For sustainable urban planning in Karachi an enhanced administration of people is essential.
The Urban Planning and Urban Management Institutions must have the skills as well as
intellect to involve people in the planning process to make it successful.
In addition to that an effectual talk needs to be created to develop a mental picture for the
megacity Karachi.
The media has to play a major role to cultivate this thought about the city and end the waiting
of city to be planned and reformed.
50
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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K
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SPATIAL & ARCHITECTURAL POTENTIAL IN
KARACHI FOR THE FUTURE
51
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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http://adaptive-reuse.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html
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Karachi as proposed in the Future
RAVINDAR KUMAR
Assistant Professor
DAP-NED Karachi
Architect & Urban Designer
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K
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REFERENCES
[1] Hasan A, Younus M, and S. Akbar Zaidi., Understanding Karachi, Planning & Reform for the future, Second Edition with Post Script;
City Press, Karachi, 2002
[2] Ahmed, N., From Development Authorities to Democratic Institutions: Studies in Planning and Management Transition In The Karachi
Metropolitan Region Issue 7: November 2010 pp.120-134 Commonwealth Local Government Forum (UK) and the UTS Centre for
Local Government (University of Technology, Sydney, Australia) From: http://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/ojs/index.php/cjlg
[3] Alexander F. Baillie., Kurrachee Past, Present and Future, Oxford University Press Karachi, 1997 ISBN-0195775864
[4] Dr. Muhammad Laiq Zardari., History of Sindh, Volume I, Karachi, Pakistan 1996.
[5] Karachi Municipal Corporation, Karachi Urban Land Management Study, Final Report, KMC, Karachi, 1990.
[6] Muhib M., Islamuddin S., and Editorial Board NED-JRAP., Urban Planning for Karachi during the Post Independence Period: Review,
Analysis and Lessons Learnt, Journal of Research in Architecture and Planning: Vol. 1-TOWNSCAPES II published by Department of
Architecture and Planning, NED University of Engineering and Technology Karachi, 2002
[7] Farhan A., Commercialization of Traffic Corridors in Karachi a Case Study of the Crisis of Governance and Accountability in the
Policy to Implementation Cycle, Proceedings of 5th Seminar on Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Planning in Market Economy
Situation, Published by Department of Architecture and Planning, NED University of Engineering and Technology Karachi, 2010
[8] Hasan A., the Scale and Causes of Urban Change in Pakistan, Ushba Publishing International, Karachi 2006
[9] Hasan A., the Unplanned Revolution, Observations on the Process of Socio-Economic Change in Pakistan, City Press, Karachi 2002
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The acknowledgements are due to Architect Arif Hasan and Professor Dr. Noman Ahmed for their valuable lectures about Karachi
1995-2010 to the authors that transformed into this paper.
NOMENCLATURE
Ramayana is an epic of Ram and based on his life. Mahabharata is also an epic based on the fight between Korvas and Pandvas.
Both these are the religious scriptures and treatise of Hindus.
Morerio is the name of a hero of Shah Abdul Latif 8|alla|'s poetry Sur Ghato. Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is an 18
th
century Mystic Sufi
poet of Sindh.
Shivratri is the name of Hindu festival related to Mahadev Shiv Shankar, a deity worshiped by the Hindus. It is believed by the Hindu
community that Shivratri symbolizes the end of winter and as last days of cold climate which then change after Shivratri.
Thank You Very Much Ladies and Gentlemen
53
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Pakistan Urban Forum
(PUF) 2011, Lahore,
Pakistan
March 1-5, 2011
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