Urban Sprawl and Depreciating Eco Quality: Socio-Economic Marginalization of Islamabad Citizenry

Abstract

Urban sprawl, characterized by the unchecked horizontal expansion of cities, has emerged as a critical challenge for rapidly urbanizing regions in the Global South. Islamabad, once envisioned as a planned city with a strong ecological foundation, is now witnessing an unprecedented transformation in its urban landscape.
The study focuses on geospatial analysis of land-use changes over the past two decades with qualitative data collected from policy documents, stakeholder interviews, and community case studies in peri-urban and informal settlements. The findings reveal a significant decline in ecological integrity in areas undergoing rapid urbanization, particularly in the city’s outskirts where agricultural lands and natural habitats have been replaced by gated communities and commercial projects. Moreover, the research highlights the role of state institutions, planning authorities, and private developers in perpetuating spatial and social inequality through policies that prioritize economic growth over ecological and social justice.
By critically analyzing Islamabad's urban trajectory, this research underscores the urgent need for a reorientation of urban policy that balances development with sustainability and inclusiveness. The paper contributes to broader debates on urban inequality and ecological resilience in South Asia and offers policy recommendations aimed at creating a more just and sustainable urban future for Islamabad.