Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is undergoing a rapid transformation
into a concrete jungle, with soaring skyscrapers and expanding road networks
dominating the landscape. However, amidst this urban evolution, a critical
concern is emerging – the lack of thoughtful planning for pedestrians. The
city's development seems to prioritize vehicles over pedestrians, raising
questions about the urban planning strategy. As Islamabad undergoes a remarkable
transformation into a bustling metropolis, what challenges do pedestrians face
in Islamabad? Moreover, why should we advocate for a more inclusive approach to
city planning that caters to the needs of all citizens?
The current stress on making roads signal-free for vehicles leaves pedestrians
struggling to find safe routes. The absence of well-defined pedestrian footpaths
exacerbates the risk for those on foot, forcing them to share space with
fast-moving vehicles. This poses a significant safety hazard, especially for
vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the handicapped, and schoolchildren.
Pedestrian signals on zebra crossings are essential for the safety of people
crossing a road. According to WALKability Asia, 36% of the people in Islamabad
choose walking as a mode of travel. With more than a million people living in
this city, that is a considerable number. Even though most people walk in
Islamabad, traffic signals often favor vehicular flow and neglect the safety of
pedestrians.
The H-8 sector is a busy school zone and in one particular 4-way intersection in
H-8 the dangers to the pedestrians crossing roads are visible. Firstly, there is
no pedestrian signal that would indicate when to cross the road. Secondly, the
red light doesn’t stop vehicles from taking a left turn. This means that
crossing this intersection is never safe as the flow of vehicular traffic is
virtually never-ending. Children that go to schools in the sector would surely
appreciate not having to run for their life, trying to cross the road, just to
get to the morning assembly. A pedestrian signal can save them from this
dreadful morning routine.
Urban planning strategy must prioritize the creation of sidewalks, ensuring they
are well-maintained and easily accessible. Furthermore, incorporating
pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as zebra crossings, overhead bridges,
and underpasses, can significantly enhance safety for those on foot. Connecting
metro bridges on signal free expressways to both sides of the road can be an
easy solution for providing safe crossing points. Implementing these suggestions
will not only enhance the overall urban experience but also cater to the needs
of diverse demographics.
Contrary to the prevailing trend in Islamabad, as well as in other Pakistani
cities, developed countries have demonstrated a commitment to human-centric
urban planning. Cities in these nations prioritize pedestrians over cars,
recognizing that it is people who bring life and vibrancy to urban spaces. In
such cities, pedestrians enjoy well-designed pathways, lush green spaces, and
safe crossing points. A busy street in Ginza, Tokyo is closed to traffic on
Sundays and pedestrians roam freely, visiting the famous shops on that street.
This is just one of the many examples of pedestrian-centric planning from around
the world.
Human-centric urban planning is rare in cities across Pakistan. Being a
pedestrian in other cities is just as dangerous, if not more so. Urban planning
authorities should make pedestrian safety a priority. Cities should be designed
to enhance the quality of life for their residents, prioritizing pedestrians
over cars. As developed countries have shown, a city's true vitality emerges
when it is centered around its people. By adopting inclusive urban planning
models that prioritize pedestrians can, not only ensure the safety and
convenience of its residents, but also create a thriving urban environment that
celebrates the essence of human life. The call for human-centric cities is a
call for a more connected, vibrant, and livable Islamabad and other Pakistani
cities.