Pakistan’s population hits 241.49 million, likely to double by 2050: PBS report

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) in its latest digital population census report stated the country’s population growth rate is 2.55 pc, the highest in the region and globally.

In its findings of the 7th Population Census, PBS revealed that with the current growth rate, the country’s population is expected to double by 2050, raising serious concerns.

According to the census record, the total population of Pakistan was recorded at 241.49 million, with males making up 51.48 percent and females 48.51 percent, resulting in a gender ratio of 106.12 males per 100 females. The average family size is 6.30 people, and Islam is the predominant religion, followed by 96% of the population.

The report revealed that 21.26 million Afghans, Bangladeshis, and other foreigners are living in Pakistan, while 8.7 million Hindus, Christians, and people of other religions are residing in the country. As of 2023, the total number of Afghans residing in Pakistan is 1,923,453.

The number of Chinese nationals stands at 356,800 and 26,900 Bengali residents, along with 172,158 foreigners from other nationalities.

Furthermore, it revealed that 2.53 million children between the ages of 5-16 are out of school, and 3.10% of the population is comprised of people with disabilities.

The literacy rate in Pakistan is 61%, with males at 68% and females at 53%. The report also highlights that 79% of the population is under the age of 40, with 40.56% under the age of 15 and 26% between the ages of 15-29.