Pakistan’s urban population has surged from 75.67 million to 93.75 million over the course of six years, while the rural population has dwindled from 63.56% to 61.18%.
Addressing this demographic shift, the government is actively pursuing measures to curb population growth and fertility rates, as highlighted in the Economic Survey report.
The report underscores the strain that rapid population growth and high fertility rates impose on the country’s economic development and its capacity to provide essential services such as healthcare, education, and social protection.
Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, during the launch of the Economic Survey 2023-24, emphasized the government’s initiatives, including media campaigns and the provision of Family Planning services through various channels like Family Welfare Centers (FWC), Reproductive Health Services Centers (RHS-A), Regional Training Institutes, and Mobile Service Units.
In terms of demographics, the rural population declined from 63.56% in 1998 to 61.18% in both 2017 and 2023, while the urban population saw a steady rise from 32.5% in 1998 to 38.82% in 2023.
This shift underscores Pakistan’s increasing urbanization trend, positioning it as one of the most urbanized nations in South Asia.