2023 Pakistani census

The Constitution of Pakistan requires that a population census be held every ten years. The results of censuses in Pakistan are used for resource allocation, sampling frames, constituency delimitation, apportionment, and for policy planning in the future.{{cite web |title=Census Story – Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |url=https://census.pbs.gov.pk/census-history/ |publisher=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |access-date=26 March 2022}}

After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, censuses were held in the years 1951, 1961, 1972 (delayed one year due to war in 1971), and 1981. However, the next censuses following were delayed until 1998 and 2017 due to politicization and instability. The 2017 census was the last census completed in the country, and recorded a total population of 213.2 million.{{refn|group=note|name=2017pop|The population of the four provinces and Islamabad Capital Territory being 207,684,626,{{cite web |title=TABLE - 1 AREA, POPULATION BY SEX, SEX RATIO, POPULATION DENSITY, URBAN PROPORTION, HOUSEHOLD SIZE AND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//population_census/National.pdf |publisher=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |access-date=17 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927171509/https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//population_census/National.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2021 |date=19 May 2021 |url-status=live}} the population of Azad Jammu & Kashmir being 4,045,367,{{cite web |title=STATISTICAL YEAROOK 2020 |url=https://www.pndajk.gov.pk/uploadfiles/downloads/Statistical%20Year%20Book%202020.pdf |publisher=AJ&K BUREAU OF STATISTICS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT |access-date=17 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017165928/https://www.pndajk.gov.pk/uploadfiles/downloads/Statistical%20Year%20Book%202020.pdf |archive-date=17 October 2021 |date=5 January 2021 |url-status=live}} and the population of Gilgit-Baltistan being 1,492,924.{{cite web |title=GILGIT-BALTISTAN at a GLANCE 2020 |url=https://portal.pnd.gog.pk/Content/Files/Reports/Gilgit%20Baltistan%20at%20a%20Glance%20New%20Design%202020%20Final_210554160.pdf |publisher=Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Planning & Development Department Statistical & Research Cell (SRC) |access-date=17 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017170116/https://portal.pnd.gog.pk/Content/Files/Reports/Gilgit%20Baltistan%20at%20a%20Glance%20New%20Design%202020%20Final_210554160.pdf |archive-date=17 October 2021 |date=20 January 2021 |url-status=dead}}}}

Most international organizations and demographers were projecting Pakistan's largest city, Karachi, to have a population between 17 million and 25 million prior to the census,{{cite web |title=MAJOR AGGLOMERATIONS OF THE WORLD |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/world/Agglomerations.html |publisher=Citypopulation.de |access-date=21 March 2022 |date=2 February 2017 |quote=Population of Karachi Estimated on January 01, 2017 to be 25,100,000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202184939/https://www.citypopulation.de/world/Agglomerations.html |archive-date=2 February 2017 }}{{cite web |title=The World's Cities in 2016 |url=http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/urbanization/the_worlds_cities_in_2016_data_booklet.pdf |publisher=United Nations |access-date=21 March 2022 |date=2 September 2016 |quote=Population of Karachi Estimated in 2016 to be 17,121,000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902131756/http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/urbanization/the_worlds_cities_in_2016_data_booklet.pdf |archive-date=2 September 2016 }}{{cite web |title=Demographia World Urban Areas 12th Annual Edition: 2016:04 |url=http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf |publisher=Demographia |access-date=21 March 2022 |date=29 March 2017 |quote=Population of Karachi Estimated in 2016 to be 22,825,000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329112754/http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf |archive-date=29 March 2017 }} but when the results of the census came back, they showed Karachi's population standing at 14.9 million. Because of this, the results of the 2017 Census were controversial and were immediately contested by the Government of Sindh{{cite web |title=CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah demands new census across Pakistan |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/596358-CM-Sindh-Murad-Ali-Shah-demands-new-census-across-Pakistan |publisher=Dunya News |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321030954/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/596358-CM-Sindh-Murad-Ali-Shah-demands-new-census-across-Pakistan |archive-date=21 March 2022 |date=8 April 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Sindh to take up census issue at joint session of parliament, Murad tells PA |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1619760 |publisher=Dawn |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321031108/https://www.dawn.com/news/1619760 |archive-date=21 March 2022 |date=23 April 2021 |url-status=live}} and many major Sindhi political parties, namely the Pakistan People's Party, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement,{{cite web |title=MQM-P claims CCI acknowledges 2017 census as flawed |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1617954/mqm-p-claims-cci-acknowledges-2017-census-as-flawed |publisher=Dawn |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321031809/https://www.dawn.com/news/1617954/mqm-p-claims-cci-acknowledges-2017-census-as-flawed |archive-date=21 March 2022 |date=13 April 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=MQM-P again highlights 'flaws' in census results of Karachi |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1521389 |publisher=Dawn |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321033559/https://www.dawn.com/news/1521389 |archive-date=21 March 2022 |date=10 December 2019 |url-status=live}} and the Pak Sarzameen Party,{{cite web |title=Rulers afraid of counting city population correctly, claims Kamal |url=https://pakobserver.net/rulers-afraid-of-counting-city-population-correctly-claims-kamal/ |publisher=Pakistan Observer |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321031754/https://pakobserver.net/rulers-afraid-of-counting-city-population-correctly-claims-kamal/ |archive-date=21 March 2022 |date=6 May 2021 |url-status=live}} all of which refused to accept the final results and requested a recount. They cited studies conducted by intergovernmental organizations such as UNICEF, national identity card statistics, and voter rolls to support their claim, as well as taking note of the issue that no post-enumeration survey was held after the 2017 census.{{cite web |author=Wazir, Muhammad Asif |author2=Goujon, Anne |title=Assessing the 2017 Census of Pakistan Using Demographic Analysis: A Sub-National Perspective |url=https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/207062/1/1667013416.pdf |website=EconStor |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321031757/https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/207062/1/1667013416.pdf |archive-date=21 March 2022 |date=June 2019 |url-status=live}} The Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah claimed that the population of Sindh stood at 61 million (above the enumerated count of 48 million).

Because of Sindhi opposition to the 2017 census results, the publication of the final results was held back for years by the Council of Common Interests (CCI), where Sindh repeatedly expressed its objections.{{cite web |title=Controversy over 2017 census: Sindh CM asks PM to intervene in dispute |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/766613-controversy-over-2017-census-sindh-cm-asks-pm-to-intervene-in-dispute |publisher=The News International Pakistan |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321033841/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/766613-controversy-over-2017-census-sindh-cm-asks-pm-to-intervene-in-dispute |archive-date=21 March 2022 |date=30 December 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Census-2017 results to be discussed in CCI meeting on Jan 27 |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/331625-pm-imran-khan-calls-cci-meeting-on-27th |publisher=Geo News |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321033906/https://www.geo.tv/latest/331625-pm-imran-khan-calls-cci-meeting-on-27th |archive-date=21 March 2022 |date=25 January 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Council of Common Interests stays divided on 2017 census |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1617036 |work=Dawn |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321033901/https://www.dawn.com/news/1617036 |archive-date=21 March 2022 |date=8 April 2021 |url-status=live}} Finally, in April 2021, the CCI pushed through and approved the final results of the 2017 census under the condition that Pakistan would hold another census before the ten-year deadline, and the results of that census would be used for the delineation of constituencies in the 2023 general election.{{cite news |title=CCI decides to start new census by year-end |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1617912 |work=Dawn |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321034550/https://www.dawn.com/news/1617912 |archive-date=21 March 2022 |date=13 April 2021 |url-status=live}}

By February 2022, a timetable for the conduction of the census had been prepared based around the enumeration occurring in August 2022, but in early April, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics faced a major roadblock, as a delay occurred in the procurement of equipment for the exercise. This delayed the census date by several months from the original plan, as the pilot census and training could not occur in a timely manner.{{cite web |title=Population census hits snag |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2351504/population-census-hits-snag |publisher=The Express Tribune |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828173053/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2351504/population-census-hits-snag |archive-date=28 August 2022 |date=8 April 2022 |url-status=live}}

While originally, the plan was shifted for the census to occur from 15 October to 15 November,{{cite news |title=Official orders to set up census centres in GB |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1694381 |work=Dawn |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828174255/https://www.dawn.com/news/1694381 |archive-date=28 August 2022 |date=12 June 2022 |url-status=live}} another delay occurred, pushing the census to the last week of December, while the results of the census would be submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan by March 2023. Then, in early November a further postponement of three months occurred, as fieldwork was set to begin 1 February 2023 and to end 4 March 2023.{{cite web |title=Seventh census postponed for three months |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/1024414/seventh-census-postponed-for-three-months/ |publisher=Daily Times |access-date=11 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108082116/https://dailytimes.com.pk/1024414/seventh-census-postponed-for-three-months/ |archive-date=8 November 2022 |date=8 November 2022 |url-status=live}} This delay was largely attributable to the devastating floods that had ravaged the country that year.{{cite web |title=Census completion delayed by almost four months: sources |url=https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40020983 |publisher=SAMAA |access-date=11 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111022727/https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40020983 |archive-date=11 November 2022 |date=7 November 2022 |url-status=live}}

The pilot phase of the census successfully began on 20 July 2022 throughout 429 census blocks of 83 tehsils across the entire country. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) deployed its technology to ensure accuracy, accountability, and transparency and inaugurated the software that would later be used for the census.{{cite web |title=7th population, housing census: PBS inaugurates software |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40188281/7th-population-housing-census-pbs-inaugurates-software |publisher=Business Recorder |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727060941/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40188281/7th-population-housing-census-pbs-inaugurates-software |archive-date=27 July 2022 |date=27 July 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Software to conduct first-ever digital census enters pilot phase |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1701786/software-to-conduct-first-ever-digital-census-enters-pilot-phase |work=Dawn |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727005221/https://www.dawn.com/news/1701786/software-to-conduct-first-ever-digital-census-enters-pilot-phase |archive-date=27 July 2022 |date=27 July 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=NADRA to complete first-ever digital census by Aug 3 |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2368082/nadra-to-complete-first-ever-digital-census-by-aug-3 |publisher=The Express Tribune |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727044256/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2368082/nadra-to-complete-first-ever-digital-census-by-aug-3 |archive-date=27 July 2022 |date=27 July 2022 |url-status=live}} The pilot census completed on 3 August, and NADRA was directed to prepare a detailed summary to present to the Federal Minister of Planning and Development.{{cite web |title=First digital pilot census completed |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/979510-first-digital-pilot-census-completed |publisher=The News International Pakistan |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805070114/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/979510-first-digital-pilot-census-completed |archive-date=5 August 2022 |date=4 August 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=First digital Pilot census completed |url=https://www.app.com.pk/national/first-digital-pilot-census-completed/ |publisher=Associated Press Pakistan |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828182923/https://www.app.com.pk/national/first-digital-pilot-census-completed/ |archive-date=28 August 2022 |date=3 August 2022 |url-status=live}}

According To OpenData Pakistan Report: Pakistan has 6,445 cities, towns, villages, and administrative units divided among 1972 postal zip codes. This the most accurate and complete dataset of the country.

The Planning and Development Minister of Pakistan Asad Umar has stated that the military will take charge of security but will not partake in data collection. Pakistanis will be counted on the basis of where they lived in the last six months, on an "as is, where is basis". The exercise is also going to be Pakistan's first digital census, with Umar stating that "98 percent of the process" will be conducted digitally, and geo-fencing and GIS mapping will be used to monitor the operation.

The 2023 Census of Pakistan will involve two questionnaires: a housing questionnaire and an individual questionnaire. Each question in both forms was deliberated on and improved by a twelve-member Questionnaire committee, headed by Demographer Dr. G.M. Arif. On 15 July 2021, the committee held a meeting where they finalized both questionnaires unanimously after a comprehensive study.{{cite web |title=Questionnaire – Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |url=https://census.pbs.gov.pk/questionnaire/ |publisher=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |access-date=26 March 2022}}

On the individual form, the religion question saw an expansion. The number of religious identifications Pakistanis could go by in the 2017 census was six (Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Ahmadiyya, Scheduled Castes, and Other),{{cite web |title=TABLE 9 - POPULATION BY SEX, RELIGION AND RURAL/URBAN |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//population_census/census_2017_tables/pakistan/Table09n.pdf |publisher=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |access-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216132035/https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//population_census/census_2017_tables/pakistan/Table09n.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2022 |date=May 2021 |url-status=live}} but this has increased to eight as of 2023 with the addition of the Sikh and Parsi categories. This change came after significant campaigning by Pakistani Sikhs for recognition as a religion in 2017.{{cite news |title=Sikhs feel neglected in census |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1321900 |work=Dawn |access-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331074816/https://www.dawn.com/news/1321900 |archive-date=31 March 2017 |date=21 March 2017 |url-status=live}} The change also had been mandated by a Pakistani chief justice ruling in October 2018 that in the next census, a separate category for Sikhs would be provided under the religion question.{{cite web |title=Report on Recommendations & Adoption of Best Practices for 7th Population & Housing Census |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//other/census/Report_on_Recommendations_%26_Adoption_of_Best_Practices_For_7th_Population_%26_Housing_Census.pdf |publisher=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |access-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809193918/https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//other/census/Report_on_Recommendations_%26_Adoption_of_Best_Practices_For_7th_Population_%26_Housing_Census.pdf |archive-date=9 August 2022 |date=18 May 2022 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |author=Yudhvir Rana|date=Dec 15, 2022 |title=Pakistan census to have column for Sikhs {{!}} Amritsar News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/pakistan-census-to-have-column-for-sikhs/articleshow/96239035.cms |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}

The question asking for respondents' mother tongue also saw its number of categories increase. Whereas in 2017, only ten categories were listed (Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Kashmiri, Saraiki, Hindko, Brahui, and Other), the form for the 2023 census has 14 choices.{{cite web |title=TABLE 11 - POPULATION BY MOTHER TONGUE, SEX AND RURAL/ URBAN |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//population_census/census_2017_tables/pakistan/Table11n.pdf |publisher=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |access-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310131155/https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//population_census/census_2017_tables/pakistan/Table11n.pdf |archive-date=10 March 2022 |date=May 2021 |url-status=live}} Shina, Balti, Kalasha and Kohistani are recognized in the 2023 form as valid options to select in the language question.

The nationality question also saw an improvement, going from a binary option asking respondents whether they were Pakistani or not,{{cite web |title=TABLE 10 - POPULATION BY NATIONALITY, AGE GROUP, SEX AND RURAL/ URBAN |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//population_census/census_2017_tables/pakistan/Table10n.pdf |publisher=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |access-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224054743/https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//population_census/census_2017_tables/pakistan/Table10n.pdf |archive-date=24 December 2021 |date=May 2021 |url-status=live}} to giving respondents more options. The 2023 form includes five choices Pakistani, Afghan, Bangladeshi, Chinese, or other.

From December 2022 to January 2023, trainers and enumerators prepared for the census. On 6 December 2022, the training of master trainers began with an inauguration ceremony.{{cite web |title=Press Release Training of Master Trainers for 7th Population Housing Census "The Digital Census" |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/press_releases/2022/Press%20Release%20Training%20of%20Master%20Trainers%20for%207th%20Population%20Housing%20Census.pdf |publisher=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |access-date=5 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105210634/https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/press_releases/2022/Press%20Release%20Training%20of%20Master%20Trainers%20for%207th%20Population%20Housing%20Census.pdf |archive-date=5 January 2023 |date=6 December 2022 |url-status=live}} By 19 December, 2,875 trainers at the divisional level began their training and preparation across the country.{{cite web |title=Press Release Training of Trainers for 7th Population & Housing Census "The Digital Census" |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/press_releases/2022/Press%20Release%20TOT%2019-12-22-amended.pdf |access-date=5 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105210842/https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/press_releases/2022/Press%20Release%20TOT%2019-12-22-amended.pdf |archive-date=5 January 2023 |date=19 December 2022 |url-status=live}} Finally, on 7 January, a group of 121,000 field staff at the tehsil level are expected to begin their training.

As of 15 April 2023, out of 156 districts, 100% work had been completed in 122 districts - while over 90% work had been completed in the remaining districts. Census work would continue in cities including Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad, while the date had been extended in 20 more districts including Sindh's Jacobabad, as well as the Baluchistan province.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-15 |title=Country's population rises to 234m as digital census extended for third time |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/04/15/countrys-population-rises-to-234m-as-digital-census-extended-for-third-time/ |access-date=2023-04-16 |website=Pakistan Today |language=en}}

As of 22 April 2023, over 235 million people had been enumerated - up by more than 10% from the 2017 census, or by about 22.2 million people. Census enumeration was then extended again until 30 April 2023, with a pause between 21 and 25 April, because of the Eid holidays. Most of the remaining enumeration would focus on Karachi, Hyderabad and Quetta.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-21 |title=Field Operations of Digital Census to Remain Suspended During Eid-ul-Fitr Holidays |url=https://propakistani.pk/2023/04/21/field-operations-of-digital-census-to-remain-suspended-during-eid-ul-fitr-holidays/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=ProPakistani.PK |language=en}} On 28 April, the enumeration was once again extended until 15 May.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-28 |title=Pakistan's 7th Housing and Population Census Field Operations have been further extended till May 15, 2023. |url=https://twitter.com/msarwargondal/status/1651948329117315073?s=61&t=VTE4_pg6JYmXLaAJjXtLZw |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=Twitter.com |language=en}}

Until 6 May 2023, a total of 241,831,019 people were counted all over Pakistan, or 28.6 million more than during the 2017 Census.{{Cite web |title=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |url=https://twitter.com/pbsofficialpak/status/1654822146596536321 |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=Twitter |language=en}} Later on 12 May 2023, a total of 238,659,411 people had been counted (a number that includes Islamabad Capital Territory, but excludes Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir).{{Cite web |title=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |url=https://twitter.com/pbsofficialpak/status/1657034327899660288 |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=Twitter |language=en}}

On 22 May 2023, the enumeration concluded all over Pakistan although several areas in the mountainous north continued to be enumerated until 30 May 2023 because of heavy snowfall in the areas and security concerns. Additionally, people who were not enumerated were able to call the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics until 30 May and still be counted.{{Cite news |title=PBS to carry out census in areas hit by law and order, snowfall |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1755191 |access-date=2023-05-24|work=Dawn |date=23 May 2023 |language=en}}

On 5 August 2023, the Council of Common Interests (CCI) "unanimously" approved the results of the 2023 digital census.{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Sanaullah |title=2023 census results 'unanimously' approved at CCI meeting |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1768537/2023-census-results-unanimously-approved-at-cci-meeting |work=DAWN |date=5 August 2023 |language=en}} Pakistan's population has increased to 241.49 million with an annual growth rate of 2.55%, according to the census results.[https://www.pbs.gov.pk/content/announcement-results-7th-population-and-housing-census-2023-digital-census Announcement of Results of 7th Population and Housing Census-2023 'The Digital Census'] The rural population is 61.18 percent of the total population in Pakistan while the urban population is 38.82 percent. For certain sensitive areas and some collective residences, totalling to 1,041,342 people, only population, gender and urban/rural population could be determined, leaving the population counted for other tables to be 240,458,089.{{Cite web |date=July 2024 |title=7th Population and Housing Census: Key Findings Report |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/Key_Findings_Report.pdf |website=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics}}

{{Main|Religion in Pakistan}}

{{Main|Languages of Pakistan}}

{{Pie chart|thumb=right|caption=Languages of Pakistan (2023){{cite web |title=POPULATION BY MOTHER TONGUE, SEX AND RURAL/URBAN, CENSUS-2023 |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/tables/national/table_11.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220005033/https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/tables/national/table_11.pdf |archive-date=20 December 2024|website=pbs.gov.pk |publisher=Pakistan Bureau Statistics}}|label1=Punjabi|value1=36.98|color1=Red|label2=Pashto|value2=18.15|color2=Yellow|label3=Sindhi|value3=14.31|color3=Purple|label4=Saraiki|value4=12.00|color4=Orange|label5=Urdu|value5=9.25|color5=Green|label6=Balochi|value6=3.38|color6=Blue|label7=Hindko|value7=2.32|color7=Lime|label8=Brahui|value8=1.16|color8=Violet|label9=Mewati|value9=0.46|color9=Black|value10=0.43|label10=Kohistani|value11=0.11|value12=0.05|label11=Kashmiri|label12=Shina|value13=0.02|label13=Balti|value14=0.003|label14=Kalasha|value15=1.38|label15=Others|color10=Brown|color11=Aqua|color12=Pink|color14=White|color15=Grey}}Compared to the previous census, the number of Urdu speaking people increased the most to nearly 9.3%. Balochi language increased slightly from 3% to 3.4%. However, Punjabi speaking population reduced to 37%. Sindhi, Pashto and Saraiki speaking population remained relatively stable.{{Cite web |last=Rana |first=Shahbaz |date=2024-07-19 |title=Pakistan 27th in global population growth |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2480881/pakistan-27th-in-global-population-growth |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |quote=One of the questions in the population census was about the mother-tongue. The number of Urdu speaking people have increased to 9.3% by 2023. But Punjabi-origin people have reduced to 37%. There is also a reduction in the Sindh language speaking people from 14.6% to 14.3%. the Pashto speaking people reduced from 18.3% to 18.2% but Balochi-language people increased from 3% to 3.4%. The number of Saraiki-language people was reduced from 12.2% to 12%.}} The question asking for respondents mother tongue also saw its number of categories increase including Shina, Balti, Kalasha, Kohistani and Mewati. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics released language results of the 2023 census on 19 July 2024, excluding data from Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, therefore Shina and Balti population might not be exact.

• 23 February 2022: The National Census Coordination Centre (NCCC) was inaugurated in preparation for the census. It will monitor live census data and information.
• 20 July 2022: Pilot phase of census begins as information technology deployed across 429 census blocks.
• 3 August 2022: Pilot phase of census ends successfully.
• 20 February 2023: Self enumeration portal is inaugurated for citizens to fill in data by themselves online.{{Cite web |title=Self-numeration portal for digital census inaugurated |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/1065040/self-numeration-portal-for-digital-census-inaugurated/ |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Daily Times |date=21 February 2023 |language=en-US}}
• 1 March 2023 to 30 May 2023: more than 121,000 trained field staff are physically visiting people all over Pakistan & collecting data on their allocated tablets.
• 19 July 2024: release of preliminary results.

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• Census in Pakistan
• Demographics of Pakistan
• Self-enumeration Portal

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Pakistan

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Category:March 2023 in Pakistan

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Category:Demographics of Pakistan