Balochistan Has the Highest Population Growth

The 2023 Population Census reveals that Balochistan recorded the highest population growth rate at 3.2%, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) had the lowest at 2.38%.

According to the detailed report released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the average annual population growth rate in Pakistan was 2.45% in 1961, showing a fluctuating pattern over the years, peaking at 3.69% in 1972, decreasing to 3.06% in 1981, and settling at 2.55% in 2023.

Pakistan’s current growth rate is among the highest in both the region and the world, ranking 191st globally, with only 27 countries, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa, having higher rates. If this growth continues, the country’s population is projected to double by 2050. Balochistan’s 3.2% growth rate is the highest, while KP’s 2.38% is the lowest.

The latest census shows Pakistan’s population at 241,499,431. In the first census in 1951, the population was 33,740,167, which has more than sevenfold increased over the last 77 years.

Punjab has the largest population share at 52.9% in 2023, though it has been gradually declining since 1951. In contrast, Balochistan, which has the lowest population share among the provinces, has seen a continuous increase from 3.5% in 1951 to 6.2% in 2023. Islamabad, the federal capital, though the smallest by area, has also seen an increase in its population share.

From 2017 to 2023, Balochistan recorded the highest percentage increase at 20.75%, while KP had the lowest at 15.08%.

Population density has risen sharply from 42.4 persons per square kilometer in 1951 to 303.4 in 2023. Islamabad has the highest density at 2,609.1 persons per square kilometer, reflecting the growth of the federal capital, followed by Punjab with 622 persons per square kilometer. Balochistan has the lowest density, with 42.9 persons per square kilometer.

Karachi Division in Sindh is the most densely populated, with 5,779 persons per square kilometer, followed by Islamabad with 2,609 persons per square kilometer. Lahore Division in Punjab and Mardan Division in KP also have high population densities at 1,942 and 1,461 persons per square kilometer, respectively.

In Balochistan, most divisions, such as Rakhshan, Kalat, Zhob, Mekran, and Sibi, have low population densities ranging from 11 to 38 persons per square kilometer, highlighting the province’s vast and varied terrain.

Among districts, Karachi Central has the highest population density, followed by Korangi. On the other hand, districts such as Awaran and Chagai have the lowest densities, with only 6 persons per square kilometer, followed by Washuk with 9, Kharan with 17, and Zhob with 22 persons per square kilometer.

In Punjab, cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Multan have high population densities, while districts such as Bahawalpur, Rajanpur, Khushab, Bhakkar, and Chakwal have lower densities.

Islamabad, the federal capital, stands out with a high population density of 2,609 persons per square kilometer, reflecting rapid population growth.

In Sindh, Karachi’s districts are densely populated due to its status as the economic hub. Karachi Central has the highest density at 55,396 persons per square kilometer, followed by Korangi, Karachi East, Karachi South, and Karachi West. In contrast, interior Sindh districts like Tharparkar, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Thatta, and Khairpur are more sparsely populated, indicating a more dispersed demographic pattern.

Overall, 61% of Pakistan’s population over the age of 10 is literate.