Country Profile: Pakistan

Pakistan, located in Southern Asia, features a diverse landscape marked by the towering Himalayas in the north, extensive plains of the Indus River, and arid plateaus. With a population exceeding 257 million, it stands as one of the most populous nations globally, characterized by a youthful demographic and a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, predominantly Punjabis, Pashtuns, and Sindhis. The economy, classified as lower middle-income, faces challenges from high debt and regional disputes but shows signs of recovery driven by strong agricultural output and IMF programs. Governance takes the form of a federal parliamentary republic, with a notable influence of the military in politics.

Geography

Pakistan is strategically located bordering the Arabian Sea and sharing land boundaries with India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China. The country's terrain is divided into three major geographical regions: northern highlands, the Indus River plain, and the Balochistan Plateau. Its climate ranges from hot, dry desert to temperate and even arctic in the northern regions.

Total Area: 796,095 sq km
Elevation: Highest point is K2 at 8,611 m
Natural Hazards: Prone to earthquakes and seasonal flooding along the Indus River.

People and Society

Pakistan has a population of approximately 257 million as of 2025, known for its ethnic diversity, with a significant Muslim majority. The country is home to various languages, with Punjabi, Pashto, and Urdu being the most widely spoken. The median age is relatively young at 23.2 years, and urbanization is evolving, with 38% of the population residing in urban areas.

Life Expectancy: 70.3 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate: 58.9% (2021 est.)
Population Growth Rate: 1.82% (2025 est.)

Economy

Pakistan's economy is classified as lower middle-income, grappling with extensive debt and corruption while showing some recovery due to agricultural strength and IMF assistance. The GDP (PPP) is estimated at $1.39 trillion for 2024, contributing to a per capita income of $5,500. The economy is primarily driven by services, agriculture, and industry.

GDP Growth Rate: 3.2% (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate: 12.6% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate: 21.9% (2018 est.)

Government

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan operates as a federal parliamentary republic, with Islamabad as its capital. The political system is influenced by a variety of parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League and the Pakistan People's Party. The constitution has undergone several amendments, with the latest enacted in 1973.

Current President: Asif Ali Zardari (since 2024)
Current Prime Minister: Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif (since 2024)
Legislative Branch: Bicameral Parliament with a National Assembly (336 seats) and Senate (96 seats).

Military and Security

The Pakistan Armed Forces are substantial, comprising around 650,000 active personnel. The military is pivotal in both defense and domestic security, often operating independently of civilian oversight. Pakistan's military expenditures are significant, making up 2.5% of GDP.

Military Expenditures: 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Deployments: Active in peacekeeping missions, including in Central African Republic and South Sudan.
Nuclear Capability: 6 operational reactors, contributing significantly to energy production.

Energy

Pakistan's energy mix relies heavily on fossil fuels, with electricity generation expanding through various sources, including nuclear and hydropower. The country achieved a 95% electrification rate as of 2022.

Installed Generating Capacity: 43.512 million kW (2023 est.)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 14.076 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Production: 27.476 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Environment

Environmental issues in Pakistan include water pollution, deforestation, and limited freshwater resources. The country actively participates in numerous international environmental agreements to combat these challenges.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 212.655 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Urban Population: 38% of total population (2023)
Water Withdrawal for Agriculture: 172.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Transportation

Pakistan's transportation infrastructure includes a network of roads, railways, and ports. The country has 117 airports and a significant railway system spanning 11,881 km.

Railways: 11,881 km (2021)
Merchant Marine: 60 vessels (2023)
Key Ports: Gwadar and Karachi.

Communications

The communications sector is evolving, with 27% of the population using the internet as of 2023. Mobile subscriptions are on the rise, reflecting increasing digital connectivity.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 193 million (2024)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 2.573 million (2023)
Broadband Subscriptions: 3.36 million (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	257,047,044 (2025 est.)
Area	796,095 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.39 trillion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	145.357 billion kWh (2023)
Birth Rate	25.05 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	5.5% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	70.3 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	58.9% (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures	2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Urbanization	38% of total population (2023)