Urban Inequality and the Dystopian Landscape: A Case Study of Urban Dystopia in Islamabad

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates how the post-colonial transition of the economy unleashed a wave of
restructuring through modernity and capitalism. Originally planned to ensure holistic well-being, the city's
utopian vision has produced dystopian realities for marginalized communities. We explore how the
development of the 'perfect city' was based on aesthetics rather than health and well-being as its cornerstones.
Therefore, the research seeks to understand how health has evolved and has been taken into practical
consideration among the underprivileged residents of the Katchi Abadi population (slums, squatter
settlements, and permanent temporaries of the city).
Study Design: Qualitative study inclusive of participant observation among slum dwellers, unstructured
interviewing (with residents and officials from state bureaucracy), and archival data (CDA documents).
Place and Duration of Study: This fieldwork was conducted in the Katchi Abadies of Islamabad, Pakistan, from
June 2022 to December 2024.
Methods: In-depth interviews, ethnography, and participant observation examine Katchi Abadi health norms
and their relation to Islamabad's utopian planning. The study is purposive in locating the forgotten or ignored
realities and how they are patronized in settled and planned hierarchies of Islamabad.
Results: The study shows how Islamabad's utopian vision is experienced differently by socio-economically
marginalized residents. The study finds that a more substantial relation with the city is mainly based on
understanding who lives where within the city's socio-spatiality. Therefore, Dystopia emerges for many
residents despite Islamabad's utopian ideals.
Conclusion: We have argued that the utopian vision of Islamabad is turning into a dystopian reality for many of
its urban poor. The Katchi Abadi Walay, often seen as the city's neglected population, includes many who face
homelessness, addiction, and social exclusion. However, it is essential to recognize that not all their hardships
stem from government inaction; a lack of personal initiative, reluctance to work, and dependence on begging
also play a role. Real change demands both systemic reform and individual responsibility.

How to cite this: Bibi M, Qadar A. Urban Inequality and the Dystopian Landscape: A Case Study of Urban Dystopia in Islamabad. Life andScience. 2025; 6(4): 553-560. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.616