Ghazni City Expands Threefold in 20 Years, UN Habitat Reports

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has announced that Ghazni city, the capital of Paktia Province, has expanded threefold since 2004. This growth reflects the rapid urbanization occurring in this eastern province of Afghanistan.

In a statement released on Thursday, April 9, the organization emphasized that if this development follows smart urban planning and targeted investments, it can lead to healthier homes and an improved quality of life for all residents. The UN-Habitat believes that proper management of urban development plays a crucial role in preventing uncontrolled expansion and shortages in city services.

UN-Habitat highlights the importance of creating efficient and inclusive cities for all citizens, noting that the rising urban populations demand organized urban plans, infrastructure development, and equitable access to essential services.

Previously, the agency reported that cities such as Mazar-i-Sharif, Fayzabad, Herat, and several others in Afghanistan have also expanded several times over the past two decades—indicating major demographic changes and increasing concentration of residents in urban areas across the country.