URBAN INFORMALITY AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN KARACHI'S SLUM SETTLEMENTS

Abstract

A large section of the world population still lacks decent and orderly housing. There are at least one billion people who, without access to potable water and sanitation, live in slum areas. The existence of informal settlements is marked by an insufficiency of basic facilities and infrastructure. Slum settlements are considered one of the most rapidly growing issues, especially in developing countries. This research paper will explain the problems existing in the slums of Karachi and will provide feasible solutions for the problems faced by the local people of these areas. Karachi is the most populous and largest city of Pakistan. Karachi has about 600 slum localities, with more than 50% of people of this city living in these areas. The reasons for the rapid increase in slums are population growth, rural-to-urban migration, high unemployment rate, informal sector, poverty, political problems, and poor urban planning. In Karachi, people face numerous problems such as crowded roads and highways, inadequate transportation, and poorly constructed houses. The main reason for the increase in the slum areas is the unavailability of affordable housing in the city. This research article will try to identify the main issues with the slums and will try to provide solutions for the improvement of the city and the environment.