Urban population in Sindh, Punjab surged rapidly over last 7 years: report

Urban centers in Punjab and Sindh experienced rapid population growth, with Nankana Sahib and Karachi's East District emerging as the fastest-growing areas in these provinces, according to the latest figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). 

The data, covering the period from 2017 to 2023, highlighted trends in population growth across the country, including in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

PBS reported that the urban population in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan has been growing at a much faster pace compared to rural areas. 

In Punjab, the urban growth rate is three times higher than its rural counterpart. Similarly, urban areas in Sindh and Balochistan have also recorded steep increases in population growth rates.

On a national level, Pakistan’s population grew at an average annual rate of 2.55% during the last seven years. The rural population increased by 1.88%, while the urban population expanded at a significantly higher rate of 3.67%.

The PBS data underscored the ongoing demographic shift towards urbanisation, posing challenges and opportunities for infrastructure development, resource allocation, and urban planning in the country.

Punjab

Between 2017 and 2023, Punjab’s overall population grew at an average annual rate of 2.53%. The rural population expanded by 1.46%, while urban areas saw a growth rate of 4.24%. Nankana Sahib district recorded the highest annual growth rate in the province at 3.19%, making it the fastest-growing area in Punjab.

Sindh

Sindh's population growth rate averaged 2.57% annually, with rural areas growing by 1.82% and urban areas by 3.24%. The East District of Karachi registered an exceptional growth rate of 5.32%, the highest in the province.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

In KP, the average annual population growth rate stood at 2.38%. Rural areas experienced a growth rate of 2.69%, while urban growth was significantly lower at 0.72%. Lower Kohistan district led the province with a staggering growth rate of 9.05%.

Balochistan

Balochistan recorded the highest average annual population growth rate among all provinces at 3.20%. Rural areas grew by 2.39%, while urban growth reached 5.19%. Washik district stood out with the highest growth rate in the province at 9.51%.

Islamabad

The federal capital experienced an average population growth rate of 2.80% per year. Interestingly, rural areas in Islamabad saw a higher growth rate of 3.97%, compared to the urban rate of 1.59%.