Country Profile: Pakistan

Pakistan, located in Southern Asia, is bordered by India to the east and Iran, Afghanistan, and China to the west and north, respectively. The diverse geography features the Indus River plain, northern highlands, and Balochistan Plateau, while the country's population is estimated at over 252 million, primarily comprising Punjabis, Pashtuns, and Sindhis. The economy is classified as a lower-middle-income economy with strong agricultural output, yet it grapples with high debt and corruption, impacting foreign investment. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, Pakistan faces significant challenges related to security, infrastructural development, and environmental sustainability.

Geography

Pakistan's geography is marked by varied terrains including the highlands in the north, the fertile Indus River plain, and the arid Balochistan Plateau. It features a coastline along the Arabian Sea and has significant river systems that support agriculture.

Total area: 796,095 sq km
Land boundaries: 7,257 km with Afghanistan, China, India, and Iran
Highest point: K2 (8,611 m)
Climate: Mostly hot, dry desert; arctic in the north
Natural resources: Natural gas, arable land, and limited petroleum

People and Society

Pakistan has a diverse demographic makeup with a total population of approximately 252,363,571. The nation is predominantly Muslim, with a rich tapestry of ethnic groups and languages that contribute to its cultural identity.

Official language: Urdu, with Punjabi being the most widely spoken language
Major religions: 96.5% Islam (Sunni 85-90%, Shia 10-15%)
Urban population: 38% of the total population (2023)
Life expectancy: 70.3 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate: 58.9% (2021 est.)

Economy

Pakistan's economy is characterized as lower-middle-income, facing systemic challenges such as high debt and corruption, yet is slowly recovering through agricultural output and IMF relief programs.

GDP (PPP): $1.39 trillion (2024 est.)
GDP growth rate: 3.2% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 5.5% (2024 est.)
Exports: $40.219 billion (2024 est.) with major partners including the USA and China
Population below the poverty line: 21.9% (2018 est.)

Government

Pakistan operates as a federal parliamentary republic with a president and prime minister elected through a parliamentary system. The legal framework combines common law with Islamic law influences.

Capital: Islamabad
Recent elections: March 2024, resulting in President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assuming office
Administrative divisions: 4 provinces and 2 federally administered areas
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age

Military and Security

Pakistan possesses a robust military known for its involvement in regional security and internal conflicts, particularly concerning India.

Military expenditures: 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active personnel: Approximately 650,000 in the armed forces
Military deployments: Engaged in UN peacekeeping missions in Central African Republic and South Sudan (2024)
Major military focus: Defense against India and internal militant threats

Energy

The energy sector in Pakistan is transitioning, with a significant reliance on fossil fuels but also progressing in renewable sources.

Electricity consumption: 145.357 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Installed capacity: 43.512 million kW (2023 est.)
Proportion from fossil fuels: 60.4% of total installed capacity
Electricity access: 95% of the total population (2022)

Environment

Pakistan faces various environmental challenges, including water pollution, deforestation, and climate change impacts, with most of the population lacking access to clean water.

Carbon dioxide emissions: 212.655 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Major environmental issues: Water pollution, air pollution, soil erosion, desertification
Urban population: 38% with rapid urbanization (2.1% annual rate of change)

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes a mix of air, rail, and road networks that facilitate domestic and international travel.

Airports: 117 (2025)
Railways: Total length of 11,881 km (2021)
Major ports: Karachi, Gwadar, and Muhammad Bin Qasim

Communications

Pakistan's communications sector is expanding, with increasing mobile and internet penetration.

Mobile subscriptions: 189 million (2023 est.)
Internet users: 27% of the population (2023 est.)
Television access: Over 120 satellite TV stations

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	252,363,571	2024 est.
Area	796,095 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.39 trillion	2024 est.
Unemployment rate	5.5%	2024 est.
Electricity access	95%	2022 est.
Life expectancy	70.3 years	2024 est.
Literacy rate	58.9%	2021 est.
Major urban population	17.236 million	Karachi (2023)
Military expenditures	2.5% of GDP	2024 est.
Net migration rate	-1.1 migrant(s)/1,000	2024 est.