Karachi Ranks Low in Global Liveability Index

Karachi has once again been listed among the least desirable cities to live in worldwide, according to the newest global liveability index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

In the 2025 edition of the annual study, Pakistan’s economic center was positioned at 170 out of the 173 cities assessed. Karachi achieved an overall score of 42.7 out of 100, placing it just ahead of cities such as Dhaka (Bangladesh), Tripoli (Libya), and Damascus (Syria).

Karachi was the only city from Pakistan included in this year’s index. In contrast, the top positions were held by cities like Copenhagen, which earned a score of 98.0, followed by Vienna and Zurich, each scoring 97.1. Melbourne (97.0) and Geneva (96.8) rounded out the top five.

The Austrian capital, previously ranked as the world’s most liveable city from 2022 through 2024, slipped to the second spot. This decline in ranking was attributed to a reduction in its stability score, stemming from two thwarted terrorist plots – one aimed at a Taylor Swift concert and another at a railway station.

Notably, Karachi’s ranking has seen little change in recent years. The city was ranked 169th in 2024, similarly grouped with cities including Lagos, Tripoli, Algiers, and Damascus.

The EIU’s global liveability index serves as a key report, assessing urban living conditions across 173 cities worldwide. It offers valuable comparative data for governments, businesses, and international organizations.

In October 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) issued a report indicating a decrease in the quality of life in cities throughout Pakistan. The ADB highlighted that urban centers are becoming increasingly inefficient.

The ADB also pointed out social disparity as a major issue in Karachi. The assessment revealed that the wealthiest residents primarily reside in cantonment areas or private housing developments, while lower-income populations are mainly situated in Karachi East, the city’s most densely populated district.