Pakistani actress and television host Ayesha Omar has reacted to Karachi’s ranking among the world’s least liveable cities, saying that people who manage to live there deserve “an award or a medal” for navigating the city’s daily hardships.
Her comments came after the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released its Global Liveability Index 2026, which ranked Karachi as the fourth least liveable city in the world.
Sharing the report on her Instagram stories, Omar said the ranking did not surprise her.
Praising the resilience of Karachi’s residents, she highlighted the realities they face every day-from crumbling, polluted roads and hours-long traffic jams to persistent electricity and gas shortages.
She also pointed to the constant fear of crime and street robberies, noting that despite these obstacles, Karachiites continue to work hard, pay taxes and play a vital role in driving Pakistan’s economy.
According to Omar, simply managing to build a life under such circumstances is an achievement in itself.
Known for speaking candidly on social issues, Omar has frequently used her platform to address matters affecting the public. Most recently, she was featured in a BBC report focused on women’s issues, where she urged artificial intelligence developers and technology companies to take stronger action against the misuse of online images to harass women.