Rapid growth expected to strain jobs, resources, and infrastructure
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s population could surge to nearly 390 million by 2050, according to a new government-backed projection report.
According to Beyond Time News, the report highlights a sharp rise in population pressure, with more than 250 million people expected to enter the job market in the coming decades.
Population May Rise by Over 60 Percent
The “Population Projections Report 2023–2050” estimates that Pakistan’s population stood at 241.9 million in 2023.
Under a slow fertility decline scenario, the population could reach 390 million by 2050. This reflects an increase of about 148 million people.
Even under improved contraceptive use and faster fertility decline, the population is still expected to cross 380 million.
According to Beyond Time News, the projections show strong demographic momentum that will continue regardless of policy changes in the short term.
Massive Pressure on Job Market
The report warns that around 256 million people could be active in the job market by 2050.
This figure is higher than Pakistan’s current total population, highlighting a major employment challenge.
Officials say Pakistan will need much faster economic growth to absorb this workforce. The current growth rate remains far below what is required for large-scale job creation.
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Youth Population Continues to Grow
The youth population is also expected to rise significantly.
People aged 15 to 29 may increase from 63 million to 100 million by 2050. At the same time, the total working-age population could jump from 135 million to over 255 million.
However, the share of young people in the total population may decline slightly as the country gradually ages.
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Provinces Expect Sharp Increases
All provinces are expected to see major population growth.
Punjab may grow from 128 million to 200 million. Sindh could rise to over 91 million. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may reach 68 million. Balochistan could grow to 25 million.
Islamabad Capital Territory shows the fastest growth rate and may nearly triple by 2050.
Experts Call for Urgent Planning
According to Beyond Time News, officials warn that unchecked population growth could create serious pressure on housing, health care, education, and jobs.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said population control and better resource planning are essential for sustainable development.
He stressed that provinces receiving a large share of resources under the NFC system must adopt stronger population management policies.
Experts say Pakistan must invest heavily in education, health care, and employment opportunities to turn this challenge into a demographic advantage.
