This article is about the most populated cities in Pakistan. Pakistan itself is 5th most populated country in the world. In this article, we will learn which of Pakistan’s cities are densely populated and how are they ranked. Let’s start our journey!
Pakistan and its population
South Asian nation Pakistan, formally the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is located there. It is home to the second-largest Muslim population in the world and is the fifth most populous nation overall, with a population of approximately 243 million. With an area of 881,913 square kilometers, Pakistan is the 33rd-largest nation. It shares borders with China to the northeast, India to the east, Afghanistan to the west, and Iran to the southwest. According to Worldometer’s elaboration of the most recent United Nations data as of Saturday, October 29, 2022, the population of Pakistan is 230,839,086.
Top ten populated cities in Pakistan
1. Karachi
With a population of over 14 million, Karachi is among the top of most populated cities metropolis in Pakistan. With a wide variety of languages, races, and religions, Karachi is a very multicultural city in Pakistan. Furthermore, it is one of the most secular and liberal cities in the nation. The largest seaports in Pakistan, Jinnah International Airport, and Bin Qasim Port are all located in Karachi which is a significant transportation hub and also the business hub of Pakistan. Karachi locates on the Arabian Sea. Karachi’s historical, cultural, and natural splendor are all worth visiting. In Karachi, there were 14,916,456 people living there as of the 2017 national census, 12.9 million of whom were urban dwellers in the city proper. Karachi is one of the world’s fastest-growing cities since it has a sizable population from practically all ethnic groups in Pakistan.
2. Lahore
The second largest city in Pakistan and also among the most populated cities after Karachi and the 26th largest city overall is Lahore, the capital of the Punjab province. It is also the biggest city in Punjab and a significant cultural hub for the area. With an estimated GDP of $84 billion as of 2019, Lahore is one of Pakistan’s wealthiest cities. It is also Pakistan’s most socially liberal, forward-thinking, and cosmopolitan metropolis, serving as the country’s capital and the historic cultural hub of the broader Punjab area.
3. Faisalabad
After Karachi and Lahore, Faisalabad is Pakistan’s third-largest city in terms of population. After Lahore, it is the second-largest city in the province of Punjab. Despite being one of the most populated cities, it is also one of British India’s first planned cities, Faisalabad has subsequently grown into a global city. Due to its strategic location within the region and access to connected roads, trains, and aircraft, Faisalabad has experienced substantial growth in recent years. In addition, the city’s thriving industrial and distribution hub has earned it the moniker “Manchester of Pakistan.” The GDP of Faisalabad assessment is at $43 billion in 2013 and anticipates to grow by 5.7% to $87 billion by 2025.
4. Rawalpindi
The capital city of the Rawalpindi Division is Rawalpindi, which locates in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Although it is the country’s third-largest metropolitan region, the larger Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area is actually number four in most populated cities. Additionally, Rawalpindi is close to Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, and due to their close social and economic relations, people gave them the name “twin cities.” Rawalpindi is a bustling metropolis with a lengthy and fascinating history. We can find numerous significant historical sites there, including the renowned Raja Bazar, one of Pakistan’s biggest markets.
5. Gujranwala
Gujranwala, a city in Pakistan, serves as the divisional capital of that country. It is also called the “City of Wrestlers” and is famous for its cuisine. In addition, Gujranwala ranks as Pakistan’s fifth most populated city and metropolitan area. Considering that many of the adjacent cities have been inhabited for centuries, this one, which was created in the 18th century, is comparatively new. Today, Gujranwala ranks third in importance among Pakistan’s industrial hubs, behind Karachi and Faisalabad. It additionally contributes 5-9% of Pakistan’s GDP and is part of a network of sizable metropolitan areas in Punjab province’s northeast, which together make up one of the nation’s most industrialized regions.
6. Peshawar
Peshawar is the largest city in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. People also call it Purushapura. It is the largest metropolis with a majority of Pashtuns and the sixth-largest city in Pakistan. The city is located close to the Afghan border in the Valley of Peshawar, east of the famed Khyber Pass. Peshawar is one of the oldest cities in South Asia and Pakistan, with records of its existence dating back to 539 BCE.
7. Multan
Multan has the headquarter of The Multan Division in Pakistan’s Punjab. Its rank in most populated cities in Pakistan is seventh and located on the Chenab River’s bank. A long history dating back to antiquity can be found in Multan. Additionally, it serves as Southern Punjab’s principal cultural and economic hub. In the eleventh and twelfth centuries, Multan, a major center of trade in medieval Islamic India, was famous for the residence of numerous Sufi mystics. Additionally, due to the abundance of Sufi shrines, they gave the name “City of Saints.” The numerous historical Sufi shrines in Multan and the neighboring city of Uch are particularly well-known. With a population of over 1.5 million, Multan is a vibrant city.
8. Hyderabad
In Pakistan’s Sindh province, Hyderabad is the second-largest city. The largest metropolis in Pakistan and also the 8th most populated city, Karachi, is 150 kilometers away from this location. Hyderabad, which was established in 1768 by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro of the Kalhora Dynasty, served as the provincial capital until the British moved it to the Bombay presidency in 1840. The distance from Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city is around 150 kilometers and is connected by rail and the M-9 freeway. A direct rail line and the M-9 highway connect Karachi with Hyderabad. In fact, the city serves as Pakistan’s principal industrial and economic hub.
9. Islamabad
The city of Islamabad, which is the administrative center of Pakistan’s Islamabad Capital Territory, serves as the country’s capital. Additionally, it is Pakistan’s ninth most populated city. Islamabad has a lot more to offer visitors than just being the capital of Pakistan. The city was intentionally constructed in the 1960s as a planned community to replace Rawalpindi as Pakistan’s capital. In addition, Islamabad is famous for its superior standard of living, security, and the profusion of greenery.
10. Quetta
Quetta, the largest city in the province, serves as Balochistan’s provincial capital. Additionally, it holds the rank of Pakistan’s tenth-populated city. Furthermore, the 1935 Quetta earthquake substantially damaged but people built it back. And Quetta’s population is 1,001,205 as per the 2017 census. The sole high-altitude significant city in Pakistan is Quetta, which is located on average 1,680 meters (5,510 feet) above sea level. The city is also called the “Fruit Garden of Pakistan” due to the abundance of fruit orchards in and around it as well as the wide array of fruits and dried fruit products.
