Province-wise population of Pakistan — the complete 2023 census breakdown with growth rates, 2026 projections, and what the distribution means for politics, resources and representation.
Quick answer: 2023 census: Punjab 127.69m (12.77 cr), Sindh 55.70m (5.57 cr), KP 40.86m (4.09 cr), Balochistan 14.89m (1.49 cr), ICT 2.36m. Punjab holds 53% of Pakistan; Balochistan grows fastest at 3.20%.
The Full Table (2023 Census)
Punjab: 127,688,922 (2.53% growth) · Sindh: 55,696,147 (2.57%) · KP: 40,856,097 (2.38%) · Balochistan: 14,894,402 (3.20%) · ICT: 2,363,863 (2.81%) · AJK: 4,333,467 · GB: 1,709,049. Total: 241,499,431 (+GB/AJK: 247,541,947).
Punjab’s Weight
Punjab’s 12.77 crore people exceed the other three provinces combined. It decides national elections (141 of 266 NA general seats), dominates the NFC resource formula, and sets the cultural tone. Every census reignites the debate over Punjab’s share — and every province’s grievances.
Political Stakes
Census numbers allocate National Assembly seats, NFC funds, and civil service quotas. That’s why counts are contested: Karachi’s parties routinely dispute Sindh’s urban numbers; Balochistan’s 3.20% growth reshapes its share. The CCI’s unanimous 2023 approval settled this round — until the next census.
2026 Projections
At current growth: Punjab ~137m, Sindh ~60m, KP ~44m, Balochistan ~16.4m. The ordering won’t change soon — but the gaps keep widening. Full demographics in our population pillar guide.
Which province has the largest population in Pakistan?
Punjab — 127.69 million (2023), about 53% of the national total.
Which province grows fastest?
Balochistan at 3.20% per year — though from the smallest base.
Related Population Guides
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