Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Karachi has been ranked among the world’s least liveable cities, placing 170th out of 173 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2026—prompting sharp criticism from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) against the Sindh government .
MQM-P Blames PPP for Administrative Failures
MQM-P spokesperson condemned the provincial government, calling Karachi’s deteriorating roads, widespread garbage, and severe water crisis “living proof of PPP’s mismanagement” . Traffic problems have made life “miserable” for citizens, the spokesperson added, accusing the PPP of reducing Karachi to a “colony” rather than a thriving metropolis .
The party claimed that if the Sindh government had shown seriousness, the city’s global reputation would not have suffered so drastically . In response, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon defended the PPP’s record, highlighting major infrastructure projects including the EV Bus Service, Pink Bus Service, Shahrah-e-Bhutto, and BRT corridors . He stated that Karachi’s development is “visible and ongoing.”
EIU Rankings: A Bleak Picture
The EIU’s annual ranking evaluates living conditions across 173 cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure . Karachi received an overall score of 43 out of 100, scoring 20 in stability, 54 in healthcare, 36 in culture and environment, 75 in education, and 52 in infrastructure .
The city was ranked only above Dhaka, Tripoli, and Damascus, while war-torn Tehran (164th) and Kyiv (166th) scored higher . The EIU noted that major cities often receive lower rankings due to issues such as traffic congestion and crime .
Analysts indicate that Karachi’s low ranking reflects years of neglect and poor governance, compounded by chronic funding gaps and weak inter-agency coordination . Despite billions of rupees in development funds allocated, major projects like the K-IV water scheme and Red Line BRT remain stalled . Meanwhile, political parties continue to debate responsibility while the city’s residents face daily hardships .
