The Political Economy of Sustainable Mobility: A Comparative Analysis of State Capacity and SDG 11 in Lahore and Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

This paper addressed the politics of sustainable urban mobility by taking two cities, Lahore and Karachi, and discussed how differences in state capacity influence the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (11) in Pakistan. The results show a clear difference in development patterns. In Lahore centralized and integrated governance system allows quick implementation of large-scale transport projects, eventually increasing urban accessibility and supporting SDG 11.2 indicators. In contrast, the fragmented institutional structure of Karachi, including overlapping jurisdictions, and political conflicts, limits proper policy implementation, resulting in delays and unequal service provision despite the introduction of technologically advanced and environmentally friendly transport solutions aligned with SDG 11.6. The paper is based on two broad theoretical foundations: state capacity and the political economy of development. These frameworks allow for the consideration of urban transport as a direct product of governance forms and political decision making, rather than just a technical or engineering problem. The study is based on a qualitative comparative design and relies on secondary data, which analyzed the importance of interaction between institutions, governance structure, and political motivation in shaping urban transport outcomes at the provincial level. The paper also highlights the mixed impact of decentralization after the 18th Constitutional Amendment and explains the importance of development trajectories, especially CPEC-related investments in Lahore and multilateral donor-led projects in Karachi. By placing SDG 11 within a broader political economy framework, the study argues that sustainable urban transformation depends not only on policy commitment or technical planning, but also fundamentally on the strength of state capacity, institutional coordination, and political alignment. The research contributes to ongoing discussions regarding urban governance in the Global South and provides useful lessons for policymakers aiming to develop inclusive and sustainable mobility systems in complex metropolitan settings.