Trends of Rural-Urban Migration: A Case Study of Bhara Kahu, Islamabad

Abstract

The research being qualitative in nature delves in a deep exploration of the lived experiences and perspectives of rural migrants as they navigate the complex and everevolving landscape of urbanization in Bhara Kahu which was set as the locale of the study, the researcher embarked on this study with the aim of shedding light on the multifaceted push and pull factors that drive the migration of people from rural to urban areas, ultimately shaping the trajectory of their lives and the communities they inhabit the research process began with an in-depth review of the existing literature, which examined the global, regional, and local trends of urbanization, as well as the diverse impacts it has had on various aspects of society grounded in the push and pull theory, the study sought to unravel the interplay between the "push" factors in rural areas, such as the lack of economic opportunities and the "pull" factors in urban centres, like the promise of economic prosperity and access to better infrastructure, guided by a robust methodological approach, the study engages directly with the rural migrants, employing a range of data collection techniques that prioritized the voices and experiences of the participants in-depth interviews helped delve into the deeply personal and often emotional journeys of the migrants, uncovering a holistic understanding of "prosperity" that extended beyond the realm of economic factors, strain on urban infrastructure, the social dynamics of integration, and the perceived gaps between expectations and realities all emerged as key themes, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to urban planning and policymaking. In the final chapter, the study put forth a set of recommendations that draw on the insights gained from the study, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions in rural areas, strategic urban planning and infrastructure development, and the incorporation of participatory approaches that centre the voices and experiences of the rural migrants themselves acknowledging the limitations of the study and proposing avenues for future research, the thesis sets the stage for continued exploration of this complex and ever-evolving phenomenon, finally, this thesis stands as a testament to the power of empathetic and humanized research, one that amplifies the stories and perspectives of those at the heart of the urbanization process it is this approach that holds the potential to inform more inclusive and responsive policies and strategies, as we collectively navigate the challenges and harness the opportunities presented by the dynamic and multifaceted process of urbanization.