ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s population is expected to increase significantly over the next 25 years, with new official projections estimating the country’s total population could reach between 372 million and 390 million by 2050.
The projections, based on the 2023 digital census, were prepared by the National Institute of Population Studies, Training and Research (NIPST&R) with support from the Ministry of National Health Services, the Ministry of Planning, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
According to the report, Pakistan’s population was officially recorded at 241.86 million in 2023. Experts have outlined two possible growth scenarios depending on future birth rates and policy implementation.
Under the current population trend scenario, the country’s population may rise to nearly 390 million by 2050, with an average annual growth rate of around 1.3 percent.
However, if population control and development policies become more effective, the total population could remain around 372 million, while annual growth may slow to below 1 percent.
Major cities expected to expand rapidly
The report notes that Punjab will continue to remain Pakistan’s largest province by population, while Balochistan is expected to record the highest growth rate among provinces.
Islamabad’s population could nearly triple by 2050 due to urbanization and internal migration, while Karachi is also expected to witness significant population growth driven by migration from other parts of the country.
The report highlighted the importance of long-term planning in sectors including health, education, employment, housing, and social welfare to address future population pressures.
Federal ministers Mustafa Kamal and Ahsan Iqbal praised the technical teams and researchers involved in preparing the projections.
