- By Muhammad Ibrahim, Urban Development Specialist
Pakistan’s cities face a critical juncture. Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are experiencing rapid expansion. It is estimated that more than 50% of the country’s population will reside in urban areas by 2050, and the pressures of congestion, pollution, housing shortages, and climate risks are becoming increasingly severe. As an urban development expert, I see Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool to reshape Pakistan’s cities into sustainable, inclusive, and resilient hubs. AI’s capacity to analyse large datasets, optimise systems, and forecast trends provides a vital resource to tackle these issues effectively. This vision examines how AI can redefine Pakistan’s urban future, fostering cities that are smart, equitable, and environmentally responsible.
There are enormous pressures on Pakistan’s urban centres. Karachi produces over 12,000 tonnes of waste daily, much of it poorly managed, blocking streets and waterways. Lahore’s air quality often ranks among the worst in the world, with PM2.5 levels well above WHO guidelines, endangering public health. Traffic congestion in both megacities costs billions in lost productivity, while the 2022 floods revealed the vulnerability of urban infrastructure, leaving millions stranded. Over half of urban residents live in informal settlements, or katchi abadis, with limited access to clean water, sanitation, or electricity. These crises call for bold solutions, and AI provides tools to address them with precision and foresight.
AI’s strength lies in its ability to process real-time data and provide actionable insights, from easing traffic jams to predicting flood risks. By integrating AI into urban planning, governance, and service delivery, Pakistan can overcome traditional limitations and develop cities that benefit all citizens. Consider the daily struggle of traffic in cities, where commuters spend hours stuck in congestion. AI-powered traffic management systems, trained on camera feeds and GPS data using machine learning, can optimise signal timings and suggest alternative routes in real time, reducing delays by up to 20%, as demonstrated in cities like Singapore. In Lahore, AI could improve the Metrobus system by dynamically adjusting schedules based on passenger demand, while in Islamabad, AI-driven apps could encourage carpooling, lowering vehicle numbers and emissions. Local tech startups, part of Pakistan’s thriving technology ecosystem, could lead these innovations, enhancing urban efficiency and economic growth.
The urban waste crisis is equally pressing. Cities’ erratic waste collection leaves streets littered, while recycling rates across cities languish below 10%. AI can revolutionize waste management by optimizing garbage truck routes, cutting fuel costs, and ensuring timely pickups through sensors that alert authorities when bins are full. Machine learning can sort recyclables at processing plants, boosting efficiency. AI could also pinpoint high-waste zones for targeted recycling campaigns, while community-driven apps could gamify waste reduction, rewarding residents for responsible disposal. Predictive models could forecast waste generation patterns, enabling municipalities to plan infrastructure proactively.
Climate change poses an existential threat, with urban flooding a recurring nightmare. The 2022 deluge in Karachi and Hyderabad underscored the need for resilience. AI can enhance preparedness by using machine learning to analyze historical weather data and satellite imagery, predicting floods with greater accuracy to enable timely evacuations. Such systems are already in use in many countries and could have mitigated Karachi’s losses. AI can also guide climate-adaptive planning by identifying flood-prone areas and recommending green infrastructure, like permeable pavements, or monitoring mangrove restoration in coastal cities to bolster natural defences against storm surges. These tools can make Pakistan’s cities more resilient to an unpredictable climate.
Housing remains a critical challenge, with a deficit of 10 million units and millions residing in katchi abadis. AI can optimise land-use planning by analysing satellite imagery, population trends, and economic data to identify sites for affordable housing. In Lahore, AI could map informal settlements to guide upgradation programs that provide tenure security and basic services without displacement. Predictive models can estimate demand for low-income housing, refining initiatives like the Naya Pakistan Housing Program. By integrating AI with geographic information systems, planners can design mixed-use neighbourhoods that curb sprawl and promote walkability, ensuring equitable access to amenities.
Water scarcity and unreliable electricity further plague urban quality of life. In Karachi, where water theft and leakages waste 30% of the supply, AI-powered sensors could detect leaks, saving millions of litres daily. Smart grids using AI can balance electricity loads, reducing outages in cities like Faisalabad. AI can also promote energy-efficient buildings by analysing designs to recommend insulation, ventilation, or solar panel placements, cutting costs. Such innovations could position new urban developments along the China-Pakistan and Afghanistan-Pakistan Economic Corridors as models of sustainability.
Realising this potential demands a robust ecosystem. Pakistan’s tech sector, with hubs in Major cities, is thriving, with startups like Airlift and Bykea showcasing local ingenuity. Yet scaling AI for urban development requires strategic investments. Urban data infrastructure—sensors, IoT devices, and open data platforms—is essential to fuel AI applications. Municipalities must create centralised databases for traffic, waste, and environmental metrics, accessible to scientists and developers, with public-private partnerships ensuring data privacy and security.
Pakistan’s youth bulge is a powerful asset for AI adoption. Universities are producing tech talent, but curricula must prioritise AI applications in urban planning. Capacity-building can upskill municipal workers, while hackathons can spark grassroots innovation. International partnerships, like the one with MIT, is Urban AI Lab, may hasten the transfer of expertise. The design of AI algorithms must be inclusive in order to prevent biases like traffic models that prioritize affluent districts over low-income ones. Digital platforms, such as the ones being tested in Islamabad, have the ability to crowdsource community input, guaranteeing that underrepresented groups—such as women, young people, and informal settlers—have a say in urban developments.
A national AI strategy for urban development is essential. The Ministry of Information Technology’s Digital Pakistan initiative provides a foundation, but it must focus more on urban challenges. Regulations should encourage ethical AI use, addressing concerns about privacy and transparency. Incentives for AI startups and tax breaks for green technology can boost innovation. Globally, Singapore’s use of AI for traffic management and predictive maintenance offers a model, while India’s Smart Cities Mission, with AI-driven solutions in Ahmedabad, serves as a regional example. Even Toronto’s Sidewalk Labs, despite setbacks, underscores AI’s role in smart urban planning.
The route to an AI-driven urban future faces challenges. High costs, gaps in digital literacy, and bureaucratic inertia create hurdles. However, the rewards—efficient cities, lower emissions, and improved quality of life—are significant. The government must lead by integrating AI into urban policies, while the private sector and academia drive innovation. Citizens need to embrace technology and participate in smart city initiatives. Imagine a Lahore free of traffic jams, a Karachi with clean streets and reliable water, and an Islamabad resilient to climate shocks. This future is achievable if Pakistan acts decisively. By harnessing AI, we can create cities that are not just sustainable but inspiring, reflecting the resilience and ingenuity of our people.
The time to act is now—Pakistan’s urban future awaits its AI-driven transformation.