Access to Urban Services for Political and Social Inclusion in Pakistan

Pakistan, the fastest urbanizing country in South-Asia, is facing the challenge of emerging pockets of marginalization and poverty in the large cities. The issues of social and political exclusion being faced by urban residents is rooted in institutional, political and structural factors including legislative provisions for municipal autonomy at provincial level. Present system of services provision by the service providers especially in the public sector, is inadequate in responding to the requirements of fast expanding urban economy. The main challenge is to introduce a well-equipped system of governance with resourceful communication technologies, environmental economics, urban finance, water and sanitation systems, alternative transport systems, traffic management and skills in conflict resolution. Another challenge is to develop an effective legislation which clarifies the balance of power and functions between the provincial and local governments. This chapter discusses some of the structural and institutional barriers to political and social inclusion of the marginalized groups including women, youth, migrants and ethnic minorities in the urban areas and some innovations and good practices in a decentralized governance. Primary data was collected through a survey in low income areas of two cities of Punjab and KPK. Further, statistical analysis of access to basic services and satisfaction level was comprehensively gauged to link it with the prevailing governance structure. Additionally, five case studies are quoted for their originality and innovation which can serve as good practice models for replication and scaling up.