This research investigates the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in managing urban development, with a specific focus on Quetta, Pakistan. Quetta has faced rapid urbanization and significant demographic shifts, posing considerable socio-economic and environmental challenges. The study employs a mixed-method approach, including public perception surveys, demographic analysis, infrastructure and service evaluation, and land use and land cover change analysis using Landsat satellite imagery and GIS tools. Key findings indicate a diverse population with varying educational backgrounds and significant concerns regarding basic amenities such as clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and waste management systems. The public perception survey reveals that 65.8% of participants have access to clean drinking water and sanitation, but a notable 34.2% do not. Additionally, 67.9% of communities lack organized waste management systems. Awareness of key development authorities, such as the Quetta Development Authority (QDA) and the Balochistan Development Authority (BDA), is moderate, with 52.7% and 49.4% awareness, respectively. The land use and land cover change analysis highlights substantial urban expansion, underscoring the urgency for sustainable development practices. Despite the implementation of EIAs, their effectiveness is constrained by regulatory and enforcement challenges, as evidenced by the ongoing environmental issues such as poor waste management and high pollution levels. The study concludes that while EIAs are critical for identifying and mitigating environmental impacts, their efficacy in Quetta is limited. Enhancing the effectiveness of EIAs requires robust governance, improved infrastructure, and increased community engagement. This research underscores the need for integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into urban planning to achieve sustainable development outcomes. By addressing the identified gaps, the study aims to contribute to more effective urban planning and environmental management in rapidly urbanizing cities like Quetta.