By Ayesha Saba

Rapid urbanisation is expected to significantly reshape Pakistan’s economic and infrastructure over the next 25 years, with major cities projected to absorb millions of additional residents, according to new national population projections prepared by the National Institute of Population Studies, Training and Research (NIPST&R).

The report projects Islamabad’s population to nearly triple from 2.3 million in 2023 to 6.5 million by 2050 because of sustained migration and urban expansion. Sindh is also expected to continue attracting large-scale migration linked to employment and commercial activity.

Pakistan’s total population is projected to rise from 241.5 million in 2023 to nearly 390 million by 2050 under the slow fertility decline scenario.

The projections suggest urban centres will face growing pressure on housing, transportation, water supply, electricity networks, healthcare and waste management systems.

The report notes that migration patterns are likely to widen economic disparities between provinces as people continue moving toward major urban centres in search of jobs and services.

While Sindh and Islamabad are expected to record strong net in-migration, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are projected to continue experiencing out-migration.

The changing demographic structure is also expected to influence labour markets and business activity.

Pakistan’s working-age population is projected to rise from 135.2 million in 2023 to 255.4 million by 2050, increasing demand for employment opportunities in urban economies.

The report indicates that future economic planning will increasingly depend on the ability of cities to absorb population growth without overwhelming public infrastructure and services.

The projections also highlight the need for stronger urban planning, transport systems and housing development policies to manage long-term demographic expansion.

Credit: INP-WealthPk