In a recent announcement, it has been revealed that Pakistan’s population has surged past the 240 million mark, marking a significant increase from previous census data. The 2023 national census, which was approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI), sheds light on the country’s growing population and its implications.
The most recent census data shows that Pakistan’s population has reached 241.49 million in 2023. This reflects a noteworthy growth of approximately 33.8 million individuals since the last census conducted in 2017. When compared to the census of 1998, the increase is even more staggering, with over 110 million more people now living in the country.
The growth rate accompanying this population increase has also experienced a surge. The growth rate, now standing at 2.55 percent, has risen from 2.4 percent in 2017. However, it remains lower than the 2.69 percent growth rate recorded in the 1998 census.
Sarwar Gondal, a representative of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), highlighted a significant development in this census – the geotagging of all structures throughout Pakistan. This geotagging process promises to provide more accurate and detailed data for various planning and development purposes.
The approval of the census by the CCI sets the stage for countrywide delimitation of constituencies. This crucial exercise, which may take around four to six months, could potentially lead to a delay in the upcoming general election. It also presents a constitutional challenge as reallocating seats from one province to another based on the new census data may require a constitutional amendment, necessitating a two-thirds majority.
It is important to note that the 2018 election was conducted based on delimitation carried out using pre-2017 census data. However, the current circumstances compel the government to base the upcoming election on the 2017 census, with constituency delimitations already in place.
Census data plays a pivotal role in guiding government allocation and distribution of funds. It is used to determine the distribution of National Assembly seats and assists in defining legislative district boundaries. This data-driven approach ensures more effective and equitable resource allocation.
Province-wise census results provide interesting insights into population dynamics. Punjab and Sindh have witnessed a rise in population growth rates, while KP, Balochistan, and Islamabad have experienced a decrease. Notably, Islamabad’s growth rate has dropped from 4.91 percent in 2017 to 2.81 percent in 2023.
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Balochistan maintains the highest growth rate at 3.2 percent, indicating ongoing development in the province. The census data also highlights a shift in population from rural to urban areas. Approximately 61 percent of Pakistanis now reside in rural areas, compared to 39 percent in urban areas. This shift signifies changing demographic trends, as rural populations have diminished or migrated to urban centers. This pattern is evident across all provinces, except for Islamabad, where the rural population has steadily increased from 34.4 percent in 1998 to 53 percent in 2023.
As Pakistan grapples with the implications of its burgeoning population, the latest census provides valuable insights that will guide policies, resource allocation, and development strategies for the years to come. With an eye on the upcoming general election, the census data will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s political landscape and ensuring fair representation for all citizens.
