Pakistan has a rich urban planning heritage dating back to ancient civilizations like Moen Jo Daro and Taxila. However, modern urban centers face major challenges including dilapidated infrastructure, open sewers, lack of potable water, unmanaged waste, and haphazard development. Key issues include a large housing backlog, insufficient infrastructure to manage waste and traffic, high urban poverty and unemployment rates especially among youth, and differing views on Pakistan's urban future. Recent devolution reforms aim to empower local governments and engage citizens which may help address some of these challenges if accompanied by financial reforms.