UN Warns of Unplanned Urban Expansion in Firozkoh
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has raised concerns over the significant growth of Firozkoh, the capital of Ghor Province, between 1985 and 2025, noting that the expansion alone is insufficient to improve residents’ living conditions.
According to the agency, the absence of proper urban planning in the city’s development has led to the emergence of informal settlements, increased pressure on infrastructure, and rising social inequality. If left unaddressed, these challenges could pose serious problems for the city’s inhabitants.
UN-Habitat stressed that Firozkoh’s current development trajectory requires urgent re-evaluation. The agency has called for an inclusive, programmatic approach to urban management to curb uncontrolled urbanization and mitigate its negative consequences.
Under the continued rule of the Taliban administration—lacking experience, planning, and international legitimacy in managing urban affairs—the capacity for local governance has been severely undermined. This weakness could have long-term impacts on residents’ lives and Firozkoh’s urban future.
The United Nations has urged that Firozkoh’s urban transformation be steered toward building a resilient, accountable, and inclusive city—one capable of delivering essential services to all its residents, not just a privileged few.
