UN Projects Karachi to Become World’s 5th Largest City by 2050 with Population Nearing 33 Million

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest and most populous city, is set to become the fifth largest city globally by 2050, according to the United Nations’ World Urbanisation Prospects 2025 report. Current projections estimate that Karachi’s population will soar to nearly 33 million residents, surpassing major global metropolises including Cairo, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Manila, and Kolkata.

The report emphasizes the city’s rapid urban expansion, fueled by high birth rates and ongoing rural-to-urban migration. Karachi’s density is already among the highest in the world, with approximately 25,000 people living per square kilometre, putting immense pressure on housing, infrastructure, transportation, and public services.

Urban planners and policymakers are increasingly concerned about the implications of this growth, including the need for sustainable development, improved public transport, better sanitation, and access to healthcare and education. Without careful planning, the projected population surge could exacerbate traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and housing shortages, making urban management a critical challenge for the city in the coming decades.

Karachi’s status as Pakistan’s economic hub, with major ports, industrial zones, and commercial centers, continues to attract both domestic and international migration. The city’s projected population boom reflects not only its economic significance but also the urgent need for strategic urban planning to ensure sustainable growth and maintain quality of life for its residents.