A Study of the Real Estate Business Implications for Living Conditions in Urban Pakistan: Mixed Methodology Results

Abstract

The major objective of this paper is to delineate implications of the real estate business for living conditions in urban Pakistan.  Therefore, the three largest cities (Karachi, Lahore & Faisalabad) were selected. A mix methodology was used for data collection & analyses. The qualitative findings/insights revealed that the development & construction rules were not followed by the real estate developers. In several cases, the plots kept for mosque, graveyard or parks were sold out, later. Similarly, the size of roads and green-belts were cut down. The social and political factors were found backing many real estate developers. Many real estate agents had sold the disputed plots to the common citizens. The heavy rains of Monsoon-2025 opened the secret that the infrastructures in the shape of roads, underground-passes, bridges were of poor quality. This has put the residents and other people in difficulties & hardships. This has also caused heavy financial losses to many citizens. Furthermore, urban flooding has damaged the houses, markets, and other facilities. The overflowing rain water of various drains entered in the houses and damaged everything. Several children were injured or drowned in the mid of the year 2025. It was not the quality but, even, availability of the drinking water, drainage & sewerage, gas and electricity that was making public life worst. Again, the street-crimes, security and safety situations had become more damaging & challenging. It is suggested to develop ‘small cities’ with all facilities to reduce pressure on and problems of the large cities.