UN Warns of Urban Planning Crisis Amid Rapid City Growth in Afghanistan
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has raised concerns over the rapid urban expansion in Afghanistan, warning that continued unplanned growth could push the future of urban life in the country into crisis.
In a message shared on social media, UN-Habitat emphasized that urban growth can only lead to progress if it follows a long-term plan that considers the basic needs of residents. Without such planning, it warned, the result will be increased social inequality, limited access to public services, and environmental degradation.
Currently, many Afghan cities—especially Kabul, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Jalalabad—are experiencing uncontrolled residential expansion. This unregulated development is reportedly poorly managed due to the absence of specialized administrative bodies and inactive city councils under Taliban governance.
UN-Habitat stated that properly managed urban development can offer improved access to services, reduce social disparities, and create healthier living environments for all residents.
More than two years since the Taliban regained power, the process of rebuilding urban planning institutions has come to a halt. Most urban decisions are now made without public involvement or consultation with experts, sparking serious concerns about the future organization and sustainability of Afghanistan’s cities.
