How Lack of Planning Is Hurting Jhang ? with Haji Manzoor Anwar

How Lack of Planning Is Hurting Jhang with Haji Manzoor Anwar
#Jhang #UrbanPlanning #Pakistan #TheJhangTimes #HajiManzoorAnwar #CityDevelopment #UrbanIssues #PlanningCrisis #LocalJournalism #JhangPodcast
Jhang, one of the historic cities of Punjab, is struggling under the weight of poor urban planning and mismanagement. In this exclusive episode of The Jhang Times Podcast, senior journalist Haji Manzoor Anwar joins us for a deep and honest discussion on how the lack of planning is hurting Jhang — socially, economically, and environmentally.

Over the years, Jhang has grown rapidly, but without any clear development strategy or sustainable vision. The city’s infrastructure has failed to keep up with its expanding population. Streets are overcrowded, drainage systems are outdated, and the housing expansion has become largely unregulated. Haji Manzoor Anwar highlights how weak municipal governance, political interference, and absence of long-term planning have turned Jhang into a case study of urban neglect in Pakistan.

In this conversation, we talk about how every sector — from education to health, from transportation to sanitation — has been affected by poor planning. Unplanned housing colonies have reduced open spaces, increased pollution, and created severe traffic congestion. The lack of coordination between local government departments has worsened these challenges. According to Haji Manzoor Anwar, unless the authorities adopt a modern planning approach, Jhang’s problems will only deepen.

The discussion also explores the impact of climate change and how it interacts with poor urban management. Flood risks, water scarcity, and heat intensity are all rising concerns, but without proper planning, these challenges go unaddressed. Jhang’s residents are paying the price in the form of declining quality of life and deteriorating public services.

This episode of The Jhang Times Podcast not only highlights the problems but also focuses on possible solutions. Haji Manzoor Anwar emphasizes the need for transparent governance, empowered local bodies, and citizen participation in decision-making. He believes that the revival of effective urban planning is essential for the city’s sustainable future.

Whether you are a journalist, policymaker, student, or concerned citizen, this podcast offers valuable insights into how a city’s fate can change when planning is ignored. It is a reminder that development without vision leads to chaos — and Jhang is a clear example of that.

🎧 Guest: Haji Manzoor Anwar – Senior Journalist
🎙 Host: The Jhang Times
📍 Location: Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan
📚 Language: Urdu (with English title for international reach)

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