Key Takeaways
- Karachi placed 170th out of 173 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index.
- Only Dhaka, Tripoli, and Damascus ranked lower than Karachi.
- The city scored 43 out of 100 overall, matching Algiers.
Karachi has been ranked as one of the least liveable cities in the world according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index for 2026. The city placed 170th out of 173 evaluated, trailing only Dhaka, Tripoli, and Damascus.
The EIU evaluates cities based on several key factors including stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Karachi’s overall score was 43 out of 100, matching Algiers in this year's index. The city scored particularly low in the area of stability with only 20 points.
In terms of specific categories, Karachi received a score of 54 for healthcare, 36 for culture and environment, 75 for education, and 52 for infrastructure. These scores reflect ongoing challenges such as traffic congestion and crime that continue to impact the city’s liveability.
The EIU noted that major cities often face lower scores due to these common issues. However, among the world's most liveable cities, Copenhagen retained its top position, followed by Vienna and Melbourne. Vancouver was the only North American city in the top 10, while Tokyo was the sole megacity included in the list.
The rankings highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Karachi’s residents and authorities alike. The city has been grappling with issues such as urbanisation, poverty, and infrastructure deficits for years. Despite these challenges, efforts to improve liveability continue, with various initiatives aimed at enhancing public services and addressing environmental concerns.
Local government officials have acknowledged the need for comprehensive reforms to address the city’s shortcomings. Mayor of Karachi, Syed Zain Hamid, stated in a press release: 'We are committed to improving the quality of life for our citizens by focusing on key areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.'
The rankings also serve as a reminder of the broader challenges faced by cities in developing countries. While international attention often focuses on megacities like Karachi, other cities in Pakistan and around the world continue to struggle with similar issues.
Experts suggest that improving liveability requires a multi-faceted approach involving government policies, private sector investment, and community engagement. The EIU’s report provides valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners aiming to enhance the quality of life in Karachi.
'We are committed to improving the quality of life for our citizens by focusing on key areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.'
Syed Zain Hamid, Mayor of Karachi
