Rethinking Karachi’s Housing Crisis: Why High-Rises Won’t Work”

Arif Hasan critiques Karachi’s plan to build high-rises for low-income families, arguing they are costly, unsustainable, and socially problematic. He highlights the economic and social benefits of homeownership, which high-rises fail to provide. Karachi’s existing low-income apartments face maintenance and crime issues. Instead, Hasan advocates upgrading informal settlements and supporting incremental housing, which has proven successful without government subsidies. He urges a shift towards affordable, community-driven housing solutions that align with Karachi’s unique urban and economic realities.