Abstract

Rapid urbanization is a major issue facing countries across the world today. This phenomenon is on the rise in Pakistan also which is urbanizing at an annual rate of 3% reported as the fastest pace in South Asia (Kotkin and Cox, 2013). Increased urbanization in Pakistan may be attributed to the natural growth in population and external and internal migration to metropolitan areas. Due to the varied definitions of urbanization and the absence of latest census data research on the issue is quite challenging. The paper deliberated upon the issue in the specific context of Pakistan and analyzes it in view of different approaches to development i.e. conventional approach in 1960; complementary approach of 1970s; New Public Management Approach in 1980; and governance approach of 1990s and onwards. Instead of viewing urbanization as a problem for effective governance it supports the complementary and urban governance view and emphasize on addressing the issue with a renewed interest. The paper postulates that urbanization in Pakistan needs to have a tremendous focus on governance structure and policies including; access to education, housing, transportation, employment and public health at an augmented level. It also requires an increased interest in economic wellbeing of people and a sound political system of decentralized local governance. Since urbanization is a context specific phenomenon, the issue needs to be addressed by policy makers and governing institutions in line with indigenous demands and relevant interventions in the form of sustainable policies and their effective implementation and evaluation. Norms of urban governance in the country require a renewed focus on efficiency, transparency, participation, accountability, social justice, and security for all individuals at all levels. Good or good enough governance in the Pakistan is only hoped for if political stability, economic growth and human development are aligned with rapidly increasing urbanization in the country.