CapitalIslamabad
Population257,047,044
Area796,095 km²
GDP per capita$5,500
LanguagesPunjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Saraiki, Urdu, Balochi, Hindko, Brahui, other
CurrencyPakistani rupees
Life Expectancy70.3 yr
Governmentfederal parliamentary republic
Introduction
Background
The Indus Valley civilization, recognized as one of the earliest in human history and existing for at least 5,000 years, encompassed a significant portion of present-day Pakistan. In the second millennium B.C., aspects of this civilization merged with the migrating Indo-Aryan groups. Over the following centuries, the region faced a series of invasions from various entities, including the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who introduced Islam), Afghans, and Turks. The Mughal Empire reached its peak during the 16th and 17th centuries, while British colonial rule began to take hold in the 18th century. The 1947 partition of British India led to the creation of the Muslim state of Pakistan (comprising West and East sections) and predominantly Hindu India, resulting in enduring tensions between the two nations. This rivalry has led to two wars and a limited conflict over the Kashmir region in 1947-48, 1965, and 1999, a dispute that remains unresolved. Additionally, a third conflict in 1971, where India supported a local movement against the marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani politics, culminated in the emergence of East Pakistan as the independent nation of Bangladesh.
In reaction to India's nuclear weapons tests, Pakistan carried out its own nuclear tests in 1998. The country has been involved in a prolonged armed struggle against militant factions, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other extremist groups that target both governmental entities and civilians.
Geography
Area
land
770,875 sq km
water
25,220 sq km
total
796,095 sq km
Climate
predominantly a hot and arid desert; temperate conditions in the northwest; arctic climate in the northern region
Terrain
comprised of three primary geographical zones: the northern highlands, the central and eastern Indus River plain, and the Balochistan Plateau situated in the southern and western regions
Land use
other
49.2% (2023 est.)
forest
4.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
46.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 39.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 6.5% (2023 est.)
Location
Located in Southern Asia, adjacent to the Arabian Sea, bordered by India to the east, Iran and Afghanistan to the west, and China to the north
Coastline
1,046 km
Elevation
lowest point
Arabian Sea 0 m
highest point
K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m
mean elevation
900 m
Irrigated land
194,200 sq km (2022)
Major aquifers
Indus Basin
Map references
Asia
Land boundaries
total
7,257 km
border countries
Afghanistan 2,670 km; China 438 km; India 3,190 km; Iran 959 km
Maritime claims
contiguous zone
24 nm
territorial sea
12 nm
continental shelf
200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
experiences frequent earthquakes, sometimes severe, particularly in the northern and western areas; flooding occurs along the Indus River following heavy rainfall in July and August
Geography - note
controls the Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, which are historical invasion pathways connecting Central Asia with India
Natural resources
cultivable land, substantial reserves of natural gas, limited oil resources, low-quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, and limestone
Area - comparative
approximately five times larger than the state of Georgia; just under twice the area of California
Geographic coordinates
30 00 N, 70 00 E
Population distribution
the Indus River along with its tributaries is the main source of settlement, with the Punjab province being the most densely populated region
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage
Indus (1,081,718 sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage
Tarim Basin (1,152,448 sq km), (Aral Sea basin) Amu Darya (534,739 sq km)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Indus river mouth (shared with China [s] and India) - 3,610 km; Sutlej river mouth (shared with China [s] and India) - 1,372 km; Chenab river mouth (shared with India [s]) - 1,086 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
People & Society
Literacy
male
69.1% (2021 est.)
female
48.5% (2021 est.)
total population
58.9% (2021 est.)
Languages
Languages
Punjabi 38.8%, Pashto (alternate name, Pashtu) 18.2%, Sindhi 14.6%, Saraiki (a Punjabi variant) 12.2%, Urdu 7.1%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2.4%, Brahui 1.2%, other 2.4%
major-language sample(s)
دنیا کا قاموس، ایک لازمی زریہ بنیادی معلومات کا (Urdu)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Muslim 96.4%, Hindu 1.6%, Christian 1.4%; less than 1%: scheduled castes, Qadiani/Ahmadi, others, Sikh. (2020 estimate)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years
1.05 male(s)/female
total population
1.04 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.87 male(s)/female
Birth rate
25.05 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.79 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
22.8 years
total
23.2 years (2025 est.)
female
23 years
Population
male
130,727,015
total
257,047,044 (2025 est.)
female
126,320,029
Nationality
noun
Pakistani(s)
adjective
Pakistani
Tobacco use
male
25.7% (2025 est.)
total
15.5% (2025 est.)
female
5.4% (2025 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
38% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
2.1% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
34.4% (male 44,330,669/female 42,529,007)
15-64 years
60.7% (male 78,321,834/female 74,833,003)
65 years and over
4.9% (2024 est.) (male 5,735,294/female 6,613,764)
Ethnic groups
Punjabi 44.7%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.4%, Sindhi 14.1%, Saraiki 8.4%, Muhajirs 7.6%, Baloch 3.6%, other 6.3%
Child marriage
men married by age 18
4.7% (2018)
women married by age 15
3.6% (2018)
women married by age 18
18.3% (2018)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
64 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio
55.8 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio
12.1 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
8.2 (2025 est.)
Physician density
1.16 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
2.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
5.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Net migration rate
-1.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Hospital bed density
0.5 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Total fertility rate
3.25 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: rural
rural: 89.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 90.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 92.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 10.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 9.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 7.1% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
1.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
9.8% national budget (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
56 deaths/1,000 live births
total
50.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
46.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
1.82% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.59 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
Settlement patterns are primarily influenced by the Indus River and its tributaries, with Punjab province exhibiting the highest population density.
Life expectancy at birth
male
68.2 years
female
72.5 years
total population
70.3 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
155 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: rural
rural: 76.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 81.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 90.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 23.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 18.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 9.5% of population (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits
0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Major urban areas - population
17.236 million Karachi, 13.979 million Lahore, 3.711 million Faisalabad, 2.415 million Gujranwala, 2.412 million Peshawar, 1.232 million ISLAMABAD (capital) (2023)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
8.6% (2016)
Mother's mean age at first birth
22.8 years (2017/18 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
63.4% (2018 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
23.1% (2018 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
8 years (2022 est.)
total
8 years (2022 est.)
female
7 years (2022 est.)
Environment
Climate
predominantly arid, hot desert environment; mild climate in the northwest; frigid conditions in the northern regions
Land use
other
49.2% (2023 est.)
forest
4.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
46.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 39.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 6.5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
38% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
2.1% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Methane emissions
other
128.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste
700.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
energy
1,625.2 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture
5,381.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
30.76 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
13.8% (2022 est.)
Environmental issues
contamination of water sources due to untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and runoff from agriculture; scarce natural freshwater supplies; a significant portion of the population lacks access to safe drinking water; deforestation; soil degradation; desert expansion; urban air pollution and noise pollution
Total water withdrawal
municipal
9.65 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial
1.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural
172.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
212.655 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas
59.006 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke
59.937 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
93.713 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
50.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Total renewable water resources
246.8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
International environmental agreements
party to
Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified
Marine Life Conservation
Government
Flag
description: green featuring a vertical white stripe on the left; a prominent white crescent and star are positioned centrally on the green background
meaning: the crescent, star, and green color are all conventional symbols of Islam; the white stripe represents the significance of religious minorities
Capital
name
Islamabad
etymology
the name translates to "city of Islam" and is derived from the Arabic islam, which pertains to the Islamic faith, along with the Persian suffix -abad, meaning "inhabited place" or "city"
time difference
UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
33 41 N, 73 03 E
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
yes
citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of Pakistan
dual citizenship recognized
yes, but limited to select countries
residency requirement for naturalization
4 out of the previous 7 years and including the 12 months preceding application
Constitution
history
multiple previous; the most recent was endorsed on 12 April 1973, passed on 19 April 1973, and came into effect on 14 August 1973 (has been suspended and restored several times)
amendment process
introduced by either the Senate or the National Assembly; to pass, a minimum two-thirds majority from both houses is required
Country name
former
West Pakistan
etymology
the name is believed to have been suggested in the early 1930s by Muslim students at Cambridge University, created from the initials of Punjab, Afghanistan, and Kashmir; the term pak also signifies "pure" in Persian or Pashto, and the Persian suffix -stan translates to "place of" or "country," rendering Pakistan as "Land of the Pure"
local long form
Jamhuryat Islami Pakistan
local short form
Pakistan
conventional long form
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
conventional short form
Pakistan
Independence
14 August 1947 (from British India)
Legal system
common law system influenced by Islamic law
Government type
federal parliamentary republic
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
Supreme Court of Pakistan (consists of the chief justice and 16 judges)
subordinate courts
High Courts; Federal Shariat Court; provincial and district civil and criminal courts; specialized courts for matters such as taxation, banking, and customs
judge selection and term of office
justices are nominated by an 8-member parliamentary committee based on recommendations from the Judicial Commission, a 9-member group comprising judges and other legal professionals, and are appointed by the president; justices may serve until the age of 65
Executive branch
cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
chief of state
President Asif Ali ZARDARI (since 10 March 2024)
election results
2024: Asif Ali ZARDARI elected president; National Assembly vote - Asif Ali ZARDARI (PPP) 411 votes, Mehmood Khan ACHAKZALI (PMAP) 181 votes; Shehbaz SHARIF elected prime minister; National Assembly vote - Shehbaz SHARIF (PML-N) 201, Omar AYUB (PTI) 92
head of government
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz SHARIF (since 3 March 2024)
most recent election date
9 March 2024
election/appointment process
the president is indirectly elected for a term of 5 years (limited to 2 consecutive terms) by the Electoral College, composed of members of the Senate, National Assembly, and provincial assemblies; the prime minister is elected for a 5-year term by the National Assembly
expected date of next election
2029
National holiday
Pakistan Day, observed on 23 March, is also known as Pakistan Resolution Day (1940) or Republic Day (1956)
National color(s)
green, white
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
6 (all cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales
Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro; Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi; Taxila; Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore; Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta; Rohtas Fort
Political parties
Awami National Party or ANP
Awami Muslim League or AML
Balochistan Awami Party or BAP
Balochistan National Party-Awami or BNP-A
Balochistan National Party-Mengal or BNP-M
Grand Democratic Alliance or GDA (alliance of several parties)
Hazara Democratic Party or HDP
Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party
Jamaat-e-Islami or JI
Jamhoori Wattan Party or JWP
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl or JUI-F
Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Pakistan or MWM
Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal or MMA (alliance of several parties)
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan or MQM-P
National Party or NP
Pakistan Muslim League or PML-Z
Pakistan Muslim League-Functional or PML-F
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz or PML-N
Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam or PML-Q
Pakistan Peoples Party or PPP
Pakistan Rah-e-Haq Party or PRHP
Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaaf or PTI (Pakistan Movement for Justice)
Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party or PMAP or PKMAP
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan or TLP
Legislative branch
legislature name
Parliament (Majlis-E-Shoora)
legislative structure
bicameral
National anthem(s)
title
"Qaumi Tarana" (National Anthem)
history
adopted in 1954; also referred to as "Pak sarzamin shad bad" (Blessed Be the Sacred Land)
lyrics/music
Abu-Al-Asar Hafeez JULLANDHURI/Ahmed Ghulamali CHAGLA
National symbol(s)
five-pointed star situated between the horns of a waxing crescent moon, jasmine
Administrative divisions
4 provinces, 2 Pakistan-administered areas*, and 1 capital territory**; Azad Kashmir*, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan*, Islamabad Capital Territory**, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
National Assembly
term in office
5 years
number of seats
336 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
2/8/2024
expected date of next election
February 2029
percentage of women in chamber
17%
parties elected and seats per party
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) (75); Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) (54); Muttahida Quami Movement Pakistan (MQMP) (17); Independents (101); Other (16)
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate
term in office
6 years
number of seats
96 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections
partial renewal
most recent election date
4/2/2024
expected date of next election
March 2027
percentage of women in chamber
18.8%
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 686-1534
chancery
3517 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 243-6500
chief of mission
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed SHEIKH (since 18 September 2024)
consulate(s) general
Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York
email address and website
[email protected]
https://embassyofpakistanusa.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
[92] 51-2338071
embassy
Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad
telephone
[92] 051-201-4000
mailing address
8100 Islamabad Place, Washington, DC 20521-8100
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. BAKER (since January 2025)
consulate(s) general
Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar
email address and website
[email protected]
https://pk.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB, AIIB, ARF, ASEAN (sectoral dialogue partner), C, CERN (associate member), CICA, CP, D-8, ECO, FAO, G-11, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURCAT, MINURSO, MINUSCA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNSOS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt
Economy
Budget
revenues
$40.774 billion (2015 est.)
expenditures
$49.558 billion (2015 est.)
Exports
Exports 2022
$38.967 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$36.215 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2024
$40.219 billion (2024 est.)
Imports
Imports 2022
$76.594 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$58.069 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2024
$66.844 billion (2024 est.)
Industries
textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp
Labor force
83.644 million (2024 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016
67.6% of GDP (2016 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2022
8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
7.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2024
9.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Pakistani rupees (PKR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
161.838 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
162.906 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
204.867 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
280.356 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
278.581 (2024 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023
$89.148 billion (2023 est.)
Economic overview
a lower middle-income economy in South Asia; characterized by a significant debt burden; pervasive corruption; ongoing regional conflicts with India and Afghanistan that obstruct investment; declining inflation, IMF assistance programs, and robust agricultural production are gradually aiding economic recovery
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2022
5.5% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023
5.5% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2024
5.5% (2024 est.)
Exports - partners
USA 14%, UAE 10%, China 9%, Germany 7%, UK 6% (2023)
Imports - partners
China 25%, Qatar 11%, UAE 9%, Saudi Arabia 8%, Indonesia 6% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$5,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$5,400 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$5,500 (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2022
4.8% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
0% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2024
3.2% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, bison milk, wheat, milk, rice, maize, potatoes, cotton, mangoes/guavas, chicken (2023)
Exports - commodities
garments, fabric, refined petroleum, rice, cotton fabric (2023)
Imports - commodities
natural gas, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, palm oil, plastics (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022
-$12.216 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
-$1.039 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2024
$699.22 million (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$373.072 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
85.2% (2024 est.)
government consumption
8.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
1.7% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
11.2% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
10.4% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-17.1% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
21.9% (2018 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food
37.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco
1.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
19.9% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
30.8% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
12.6% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
-1.7% (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$1.347 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$1.346 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$1.39 trillion (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
male
9.8% (2024 est.)
total
9.9% (2024 est.)
female
10.1% (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$9.927 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$13.73 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$18.408 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
20% (2024 est.)
services
50.5% (2024 est.)
agriculture
23.5% (2024 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%
4.2% (2018 est.)
highest 10%
25.5% (2018 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2018
29.6 (2018 est.)
Energy
Coal
exports
900 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports
16.185 million metric tons (2023 est.)
production
13.765 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption
30.191 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves
2.857 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production
91,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves
540 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption
645,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
imports
481.25 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption
145.357 billion kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
43.512 million kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
25.811 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Natural gas
imports
8.847 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
production
27.476 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption
36.323 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves
592.219 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors
6 (2025)
Percent of total electricity production
17.4% (2023 est.)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors
3.26GW (2025 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors under construction
1 (2025)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down
1 (2025)
Electricity access
electrification - rural areas
93%
electrification - urban areas
100%
electrification - total population
95% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
14.076 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
wind
3.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear
14.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
60.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
19.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
27% (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
There are 120 satellite television channels and 42 media entities; the largest television network, state-operated Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), reaches more than 85 percent of the populace through its 9 television channels; in addition, there are over 100 private cable and satellite channels; the state-owned Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), also known as Radio Pakistan, boasts the largest radio audience, especially in rural regions, with AM/SW/FM stations that cover most of the nation (2022)
Internet country code
.pk
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
2.573 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
1 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
193 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
77 (2024 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
3.36 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
1 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
0
small
1
medium
2
key ports
Gwadar, Karachi, Muhamamad Bin Qasim
very small
0
total ports
3 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
2
Airports
117 (2025)
Railways
total
11,881 km (2021)
broad gauge
11,492 km (2021) 1.676-m gauge (286 km electrified)
narrow gauge
389 km (2021) 1.000-m gauge
Heliports
48 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
60 (2023)
by type
bulk carrier 5, oil tanker 9, other 46
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
AP
Military & Security
Military - note
The military of Pakistan holds the responsibility for external defense while also playing a role in domestic security; its primary external concern is India. In numerous regions of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), the military serves as the principal security agency and has been engaged in operations against various internal militant factions for decades. Additionally, it is one of the longest-serving and largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping efforts. China stands as its closest ally in matters of security.
The military functions predominantly with independence and lacks effective civilian supervision. Since the country gained independence in 1947, it has been in power for over 30 years and continues to exert considerable influence in Pakistan's political landscape. Furthermore, it holds substantial interests in the nation's economy and participates in a wide range of commercial enterprises, which encompass banking, public project construction, employment services, energy and power production, fertilizers, food, housing, real estate, and security services.
Pakistan has engaged in four wars and numerous skirmishes with India; three of these wars were fought over the contested region of Jammu and Kashmir, whose status has been in limbo since the UK’s withdrawal in 1947 and the subsequent partition and independence of India and Pakistan. A fragile cease-fire was established in 2003, modified in 2018, and confirmed again in 2021, although the militarized Line of Control that marks the border remains a point of contention. India has accused Pakistan of supporting armed separatists and terrorist groups in the areas under New Delhi's control. In the spring of 2025, India attributed a terrorist attack in India-controlled Kashmir to Pakistan and retaliated, initiating a brief cross-border conflict involving aircraft, artillery, drones, and missile strikes.
The dispute over Kashmir also encompasses the Siachen Glacier, situated in the Karakoram Mountain Range, which India seized in 1984. Pakistan has made several attempts to regain this territory between 1985 and 1995. Despite the cease-fire established in 2003, both nations continue to maintain a constant military presence in the region, with outposts positioned at elevations exceeding 20,000 feet (over 6,000 meters), where most casualties are attributed to severe weather conditions and the difficulties inherent in operating in the world's highest conflict zone, which includes avalanches, exposure, and altitude sickness (2025)
Military deployments
1,400 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 300 MONUSCO; 300 South Sudan (UNMISS); 575 Sudan (UNISFA) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
Pakistan Armed Forces: Pakistan Army (which includes the National Guard), Pakistan Navy (which encompasses the Pakistan Marines and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency), Pakistan Air Force.
Ministry of Interior: Frontier Constabulary, Frontier Corps, National Police, Pakistan Coast Guard, Punjab (Pakistan) Rangers, Sindh (Pakistan) Rangers (2025)
Military service age and obligation
Voluntary military service is available for individuals aged 16 to 28 for both men and women; the specific age limits may vary according to military branch, position, and role; personnel are prohibited from being deployed in combat until they reach the age of 18 (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The military's arsenal comprises a combination of predominantly imported equipment along with some domestically manufactured armaments; a significant portion of its imported weapons originates from China, with additional suppliers including France, Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine, the UK, and the US. Pakistan also possesses a domestic defense industry that produces or collaborates on the production of items such as armored vehicles, aircraft, missiles, and naval vessels (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 650,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
al-Qa’ida; al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS); Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA); Haqqani Network (HQN); Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami (HUJI); Harakat ul-Mujahidin; Hizbul Mujahideen; Indian Mujahedeen; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan (ISIS-K); Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham – India (ISI); Islamic State of ash-Sham – Pakistan (ISP); Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU); Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM); Jaysh al Adl (Jundallah); Lashkar i Jhangvi (LJ); Lashkar-e Tayyiba (LeT); The Resistance Front (TRF); Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
Transnational Issues
Illicit drugs
USG identification
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs
224,813 (2024 est.)
refugees
1,759,332 (2024 est.)
stateless persons
60 (2024 est.)
Space
Space launch site(s)
none; missile testing facilities located in Somiani (Balochistan) and Tilla Jogian (Punjab) (2025)
Space agency/agencies
Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO; founded in 1961) (2025)
Space program overview
The nation's space endeavors trace their origins to the early 1960s, although financial constraints and a shift in focus towards ballistic missile development during the 1980s and 1990s hindered progress; currently, there is an enhanced emphasis on satellite acquisition and forging partnerships with other space-faring nations to expand capabilities; the organization designs and operates satellites; it is also engaged in the research and development of various space-related technologies and capabilities, including satellite payloads; in addition, it conducts investigations in fields such as astronomy, astrophysics, environmental observation, and space sciences; collaboration exists with China, Russia, and Turkey (previously worked with the UK and US before the 1990s) (2025)
Key space-program milestones
1962-1972 - approximately 200 sounding rockets were launched with some assistance from the US
1990 - the first domestically produced experimental satellite (Badr-1) was launched by China
2001 - the inaugural remote sensing (RS) satellite (Badr-2), developed in collaboration with the UK, was launched by Russia
2011 - the first digital communications satellite (PakSat-1R) was launched by China
2017 - successful test launch of the ballistic missile system (Shaheed-III)
2023 - participation in China's International Lunar Research Station program
2024 - the inaugural lunar orbiter/satellite (iCube Qamar) was launched by China and deployed from the Chang'e-6 spacecraft
2025 - the first entirely domestic RS satellite (PRSC-EO1) was launched by China; the first astronauts of the country were selected to undergo training by China for a mission to its space station
