Pakistan Starts 2026 As Fifth Most Populous Country
Pakistan has begun 2026 as the world’s fifth most populous country according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The UNFPA also notes that, with a population exceeding 257 million, high population growth, high fertility rates, persistent gender inequality, and rising climate vulnerability, the urgency for addressing population dynamics in Pakistan has intensified.
Looking beyond 2026, the UNFPA called for a paradigm shift in how population is reflected in Pakistan‘s national planning and financing.
The UNFPA believes that, moving beyond population size as the primary determinant, a forward-looking approach would be to reward provinces for measurable progress in gender equality, climate resilience, balanced population outcomes, and improvements in the quality of education and health services.
Such reforms would align financial incentives with human development results, encourage innovation and accountability, and help translate population policy into tangible improvements for people and communities, the statement said.
The UNFPA also urges the implementation of the recommendations of the Council of Common Interests, with a clear accountability structure, defined timelines, and sustained domestic financing, supported by evidence-based planning built around strong population data.
Despite some gains, significant challenges remain across Pakistan, the agency said. High maternal mortality, lack of family planning, early marriages, gender-based violence, and unequal access to quality reproductive health services, particularly in remote communities, continue to demand improvement.
Many observers believe, however, that the United Nations Population Fund’s statement places far too much emphasis on mitigating the effects of population growth in Pakistan, when it should be stronger on encouraging the country to focus on dealing with the root cause.
Without a significant and immediate reduction in the fertility rate, it seems unlikely that Pakistan’s overpopulation emergency will ease any time soon.
At the time of writing, the population of Pakistan sits at approximately 257 million, a staggering 64 per cent increase since 2000. The fertility rate (average number of births per mother) is currently at 3.5.
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