Assignment 2

Sarim Khan [25000]

Y.usuf Janjua [24310]
Causes, Effects and Solutions of Rapid Urban Migration in Pakistan

Host: Hello everyone, welcome to our podcast. Today, we have a renowned Pakistani economist, Dr.
Ishrat Husain, joining us to discuss an important issue in the country - the rapid rural to urban migration.
Ishrat Husain, welcome to our podcast.
Dr. Ishrat Husain: Thank you for having me.
Host: So, let’s start of by discussing what are the causes of this rural to urban migration in Pakistan?
Dr. Ishrat Husain: Well, the major culprits are poverty, unemployment, and political instability.
Additionally, the growing gap between rural and urban areas in terms of economic opportunities,
education, and healthcare is also a significant contributor.
Host: What are the consequences of this migration?
Dr. Ishrat Husain: The consequences are numerous. Firstly, the congestions lead to increased pollution,
traffic congestion, and environmental degradation, which can have serious health consequences for the
people living in these areas. Secondly, the urban population explosion puts a strain on the existing
infrastructure, including water supply, sanitation, and transportation systems, leading to their degradation.
Host: So, what are the possible solutions to this issue?
Dr. Ishrat Husain: The solution lies in a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, the government needs to take
measures to create more economic opportunities and improve the standard of living in rural areas to
reduce the incentives for migration. Secondly, the government needs to invest in improving the
infrastructure in urban areas to accommodate the growing population. This includes developing new
transport networks (Imran, 2010), increasing the supply of affordable housing (Imran A. , 2019), and
providing better public services like healthcare and education. Thirdly, the government needs to
incentivize businesses to invest in rural areas to create job opportunities there. Of course, the people need
to take advantage of these opportunities to realize these solutions. After all, it takes two to tango if I must
say.
Dr. Ishrat Hussain: Many in Pakistan often press on the notion of developing our major cities, however, I
believe that equal distribution of development across the country is the best option. For the policy makers
I say, you must un learn your preconceived ideas and face the facts. Take my example, I believed that
global warming was hocus. After reading a report by Nick Stern I realized the importance of global
warming. So, to solve this issue and other problems in Pakistan there needs to be an introduction of new
ideas. (Online, Importance of unlearning for growth, 2022)
Host: Some people argue that the solution to the issue of rural to urban migration lies in decentralization
and empowering local governments. What is your opinion on this?
Dr. Ishrat Husain: Decentralization and empowering local governments can certainly play a role in
addressing this issue. However, this needs to be done in a way that promotes transparency, accountability,
and effective governance at the local level. Additionally, there needs to be a balance between centralized
and decentralized decision-making to ensure that national priorities are also addressed. (Nadeem Ul
Haque, 2001).

Host: What about the private sector? Do you think it has any role to play?
Dr. Ishrat Husain: Certainly. The private sector can play a crucial role in addressing this issue by
investing in rural areas to create job opportunities there (Fatima, 2018). This will not only reduce the
incentive for migration but also help in the overall economic development of the country. The private
sector can also work with the government to invest in improving the infrastructure in urban areas,
including transportation, housing, and public services. This will create a conducive environment for
business growth and development.
Host: CPEC, I believe has played a role in addressing this issue. It has created many opportunities for the
people of Baluchistan. I have a friend who came to Karachi when he was 5 and now, he lives Gwadar
with his family because his father found employment there.
Dr. Ishrat Husain: Certainly, there needs to be more projects like CPEC. I was very glad when the
project was greenlit. Since my younger years I have observed the growing relationship China and
Pakistan have been developing and its nice to see something of it has mustered.
Host: Do you believe that the current government policies are effective in addressing the issue of rural to
urban migration in Pakistan?
Dr. Ishrat Husain: That's an interesting question. While the government has taken some initiatives to
address this issue. For example, The Benazir Income Support Program and Kamyab Jawan
Program(Zahid Ullah Khan, 2019).
Host: You mentioned corruption as one of the causes of economic downfall in Pakistan.
Dr. Ishrat Husain: Yes, corruption is a major obstacle to addressing this issue in Pakistan. It undermines
the efforts of the government and private sector to promote economic development and create job
opportunities in rural areas. Additionally, corruption in the allocation of resources and infrastructure
projects in urban areas leads to inefficiencies and poor outcomes. Without proper accountability I am
afraid Pakistan cannot move forward.
Host: Thank you, Dr. Ishrat Husain, for sharing your insights on these controversial issues. That's all for
today's podcast. We hope you found it informative and thought-provoking. Join us again for our next
podcast on Development Economics in Pakistan. Until then, stay safe and take care.

Works Cited
Fatima, S. K. (2018). The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Business Performance: A Study of
Banks in Pakistan. Journal of Business Ethics, 187-202.

Imran, A. (2019). Naya Pakistan Housing Program: A Step Towards Housing for All. ournal of
Management Sciences and Technology, pp. 1-12.
Imran, M. (2010, May). Sustainable Urban Transport in Pakistan: An Institutional Analys. Retrieved from
ResearchGate :
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254291743_Sustainable_Urban_Transport_in_Pakist
an_An_Institutional_Analysis

Nadeem Ul Haque, M. a. (2001). Decentralisation and Local Governance in Pakistan. The Pakistan
Development Review, 625-648.

Online, V. (2022, July 3). Dr. Ishrat Husain - The importance of institutions over personalities. Retrieved
from YouTube: https://youtu.be/Yi9JD4oggIk

Online, V. (2022, July 17). Importance of unlearning for growth. Retrieved from YouTube:
https://youtu.be/hxtnReZLlAI

Zahid Ullah Khan, M. M. (2019). China-Pakistan Economic Corridor:Opportunities and Challenges.

Islamabad: Institutes of Strategic Studies Islamabad .