Development of Urban Agglomerations in Pakistan: Theoretical Considerations

Abstract

Background: Population and industries cluster in the cities and their peripheries or sub-urban areas, making urban agglomerations. These urban agglomerations are the growth poles for the spread of business activity from central city to periphery. Apart from creating positive economies, this clustering of population and industries create various socioeconomic and environmental impacts for the agglomerated cities, collectively. Cities in Pakistan are also facing many such challenges in the emerging urban agglomerations.

Aim of the Stud: The present study attempts to define and review the growth and development of urban agglomerations in Pakistan, and the associated challenges faced by our big cities.

Methodology: The study conducted qualitative research design and data was collected from secondary sources. The study focuses on the theoretical deliberations of the concept of urban agglomerations. The concept of urban agglomerations evolves with human civilization, and the development of cities. Theoretically agglomeration means the clustering of population and industries in together, for economic activities.

Findings: Urban agglomerations have numerous socioeconomic and infrastructural benefits. However, socioeconomic and environmental challenges faced by urban agglomerations of Pakistan exhibit that the cost of urban development is very high in metropolitan cities. It clearly affects the sustainability process of urban development and necessitates strategies for urban growth with emphasis on shift towards development of secondary cities.

Conclusion: Policies are needed for control and mitigation of out-migration that occurs towards larger cities. The study suggests for empirical studies for the cities of Pakistan to measure the expansions of cities and to analyze the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of urban agglomerations on the overall health of the cities.