Karachi has been ranked 170th out of 173 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index 2026, placing it among the least liveable cities globally.The ranking highlights challenges such as traffic congestion, crime, and inadequate infrastructure, which significantly impact urban liveability.Cities like Dhaka, Tripoli, and Damascus ranked below Karachi, while Tehran and Kyiv scored slightly higher.Karachi’s score of 43 (same as Algiers) reflects poor performance in most metrics, except education, where it scored 75.The EIU’s index evaluates factors like stability, healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure, providing a benchmark for urban resilience.Other cities affected by regional conflicts, such as Muscat and Doha, also saw declines in their rankings.Meanwhile, cities like Copenhagen, Vienna, and Melbourne remained at the top of the liveability list.

The report underscores systemic issues in Karachi, including chaotic governance and policies that deter foreign investment, further complicating efforts to improve urban conditions.