How many people live in Karachi? The simple answer: about 19 million — 18,868,021 in the 2023 census, and over 21 million by 2026 estimates. Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city, home to roughly one in twelve Pakistanis. Here is the simple answer with just enough context.
Quick answer: ~19 million people live in Karachi (18,868,021 in the 2023 census; 20.4 million in Karachi Division; 21.2 million estimated metro population in 2026). It is Pakistan’s largest city by far.
In this guide: The simple answer · A little context · How big is that? · FAQs
The Simple Answer: ~19 Million
If someone asks “how many people live in Karachi”, say about 19 million. That’s the 2023 census figure (18,868,021) rounded — the official, citable number. If they want the latest thinking, add: over 21 million by 2026 estimates. The full census breakdown →
A Little Context
Karachi is the capital of Sindh province and Pakistan’s economic hub — its port, stock exchange and industries. Its population has roughly doubled every 17 years since Partition: 1.1 million in 1951, 9.8 million in 1998, 14.9 million in 2017, 18.9 million in 2023. About 8.2% of all Pakistanis live in this one city. The complete Karachi population guide →
How Big Is 19 Million?
- More than the entire population of the Netherlands in one city.
- 1.5× Lahore, Pakistan’s second city (~13 million).
- Among the world’s dozen largest cities; South Asia’s third-largest urban area after Delhi and Mumbai.
- In crores: 1.89 crores (2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people live in Karachi?
About 19 million — 18,868,021 in the 2023 census; over 21 million by 2026 estimates.
Is Karachi bigger than Lahore?
Yes — Karachi (~19M) is about one-and-a-half times Lahore (~13M).
What percentage of Pakistan lives in Karachi?
About 8.2% — roughly one in twelve Pakistanis.
