ABSTRACT

Urban planning and economics show that having more people in one area can improve living standards, but only up to a certain point. Thereafter, urban planning and economics show that having more people in one area can improve living standards, but only up to a certain point. Thereafter, the benefits start to decrease. In South Asia, Pakistan has the fastest-growing urban population, increasing by 3% each year. Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, has seen rapid growth in its urban population. This growth is mainly due to strict zoning rules. However, the construction industry in Pakistan faces many rules and regulations that make it hard to build important projects and add extra costs to the economy. This study looks at how these regulations have led to the separation of urban areas into suburban zones. This separation increases transportation costs for people living in the suburbs who travel to urban centers for work, shopping, or other activities. Transportation costs are a key part of the economic burden caused by urban sprawl. The research employs a mixed-method approach, using quantitative descriptive statistics to establish a foundation for understanding the restrictions on urban growth. For qualitative data, structured interviews were conducted with 300 households from each society, 22 in urban and suburban communities in Islamabad. Regression analysis was used to assess the impact of these barriers on economic costs and smart city development. The study found that suburban households spend more time and money on travel. Things like how often they travel, why they travel, traffic jams, waiting for transport, and the distance of their trips all add to these costs. However, more flexible zoning rules that allow mixed-use developments where homes, shops, and offices are closer together can help lower these costs. High-density urban planning, which means having more people living and working in the same area, can also make cities more affordable and efficient. This research highlights the need to change the rules that cause urban sprawl and increase transportation costs. By adopting better policies, such as encouraging mixed-use areas and planning for denser cities, the government can reduce travel costs, support sustainable growth, and make cities more comfortable and livable for everyone. The benefits start to decrease. In South Asia, Pakistan has the fastest-growing urban population, increasing by 3% each year. Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, has seen rapid growth in its urban population. This growth is mainly due to strict zoning rules. However, the construction industry in Pakistan faces many rules and regulations that make it hard to build important projects and add extra costs to the economy. This study looks at how these regulations have led to the separation of urban areas into suburban zones. This separation increases transportation costs for people living in the suburbs who travel to urban centers for work, shopping, or other activities. Transportation costs are a key part of the economic burden caused by urban sprawl. The research employs a mixed-method approach, using quantitative descriptive statistics to establish a foundation for understanding the restrictions on urban growth. For qualitative data, structured interviews were conducted with 300 households from each society, 22 in urban and suburban communities in Islamabad. Regression analysis was used to assess the impact of these barriers on economic costs and smart city development. The study found that suburban households spend more time and money on travel. Things like how often they travel, why they travel, traffic jams, waiting for transport, and the distance of their trips all add to these costs. However, more flexible zoning rules that allow mixed-use developments where homes, shops, and offices are closer together can help lower these costs. High-density urban planning, which means having more people living and working in the same area, can also make cities more affordable and efficient. This research highlights the need to change the rules that cause urban sprawl and increase transportation costs. By adopting better policies, such as encouraging mixed-use areas and planning for denser cities, the government can reduce travel costs, support sustainable growth, and make cities more comfortable and livable for everyone.