Pakistan is the World’s 36th largest country in terms of its area with a population of over 200 million. The demographics of the country reveal that Karachi is the most densely populated city. In addition to its popularity as the former capital of Pakistan , it is also an important port city, hence, contributing massively to the GDP of Pakistan. Here is the list of the demographics of  10 biggest cities of Pakistan each with their own peculiar features 

1. Karachi – The Capital of Sindh

 

Karachi is the city of lights.  With a population of 16,459,472 and an area of  3,530 square kilometers, it is the 7th most populated city in the world. It has a rich cultural history. Because of the various archeological sites for instance; Thatta, Mohenjo-Daro and Kot Dijji. These sites give an insight on the earlier civilizations. Various artifacts are recovered from here, which highlights the quality  and the way of life of the people of the past. Karachi is crucial to Pakistan’s economy as It contributes to 42 percent of the national GDP.

2. Lahore – Capital of Punjab

Lahore with a population of about 13,095,166 inhabitants spans over an area of around 1,772 square kilometers. The population density is the measurement of citizens per Unit area. Lahore’s population density equals to an estimated 6,300 individuals per square kilometers. Hence, It is the 42nd most richly populated city of the World.

Lahore is famous as the Mughal city of gardens. The famous Lahore fort or Shahi Qilla, build during the reign of Emperor Akbar is a popular tourist attraction. Lahore houses the famous Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques, as well as several Sikh shrines.

The famous Lahore Fort and Shalimar gardens are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. In an annual Festival called “Urs”, as many as one million individuals visit the shrine of Data Gunj Buksh Ali Hajweri.

3. Faisalabad – Manchester of Pakistan

Faisalabad previously called “Lyallpur” has seen a 2.3 % increase in its population as opposed to its population in 2020. It’s current population is around  3,542,000. Its total area including the area of the Faisalabad District and the area controlled by the Faisalabad development authority is 7136 km². Faisalabad, the city of textiles contributes 65% to the textile exports of Pakistan. 

4. Rawalpindi – Famous for the ancient Buddhist Heritage

The population of Rawalpindi is 2,280,733. It serves as the military headquarter of the Pakistan Armed forces. While Islamabad was under construction, it became the Interim capital of Pakistan.

Rawalpindi has a long history dating back to around 3000 years. Buddhist establishment went extinct as a result of the Hun devastation. However, it still exhibits the remnants of the Buddhist establishment. Rawalpindi division is the administrative wing of the Punjab Government. Its total area is around 5,286 km². It’s population is almost 2,280,733.

5. Multan

Multan is one of the oldest living cities in South East Asia. It’s population is 1,573,991. It is Situated on the bank of Chenab River. Multan is the “City of Saints” as it remained as the hub of many Sufi mystics.

It has an area of almost 227 square kilometers. Multan is famous for the Sohan Halwa which is quite popular throughout the country.

6. Hyderabad – The Lion City

As of 2021, the population of Hyderabad is 1,887,000. The name Hyderabad translates to the “Lion City”. The area of Hyderabad city is almost 292 km² and the area under the Hyderabad Metropolitan corporation is 1,740 km².  It’s industrial sector contributes 25% to the GDP of Pakistan. The famous tourist spots of Hyderabad are Sindh Museum Hyderabad, Rani Bagh and Kotri bridge.

 

7. Gujranwala – City of Wrestlers

Gujranwala is the place inhabited by 2,290,461 individuals. The total area of Gujranwala is  892067 acres. It consists on 9 Markaz, 97 Union Councils and 800 village.

Agriculture is a main source of income for a large sector of the population. Gujranwala has produced a large number of wrestlers such as, Rahim Bux Pehlwan Sultani wali, Younas Pehlwan and Acha Pehalwan. Therefore, it is famous for being the “city of wrestlers”.

 

8. Peshawar – Capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

According to the statistics of 2021, the population of Peshawar is 2,272,812.  Peshawar is the capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. It is famous for its textile industry and handmade shawl,  dry fruits, turbans, carpets and sandals. It spans on an area of 1257 square kilometers. 

One of the most famous landmarks of Peshawar is Chowk Yadgar, it is named after the 1930’s Qissa khwani Bazar massacre. Now a days, it is a popular place for religious and political gatherings.

Peshawar is the biggest city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it is famous for tourism and food. Its history dates back to 539 BC, making it the oldest city of Pakistan.

9. Quetta – Fruit Basket of Pakistan

Quetta, “Shalkot”  of the past, is the capital of Baluchistan.  The total population as of the census of 2017 was of 1,001,205 individuals . It is called the fruit garden of Pakistan. 

Quetta City has an area of 178 km whereas, the metropolitan area spans on 3,501 km. Quetta is famous for its Wild Tulips. It has a dry and temperate climate as a result, it is suitable for the cultivation of barley, apricots, pistachios and pomegranate. Additionally, Quetta is famous for its rugs, local handicrafts and embroidery.

10. Bahawalpur City – Famous for its monuments

Population of Bahawalpur is around 869,548.  It is famous for its Handicrafts and Palaces. It lies on the edge of the Cholistan desert. The city area of Bahawalpur is around 246 km² and the metropolitan has a land area spanning on 24,803 km².

Bahawalpur is known as the city of Nawabs. It is famous for its agricultural as well as historical places. For instance, The crops of sugarcane, cotton and sunflower are largely grown here. In addition to that, Bahawalpur is famous for its rich architectural history for instance, Noor Mahal, Derawar Fort and Head Panjnad are popular historical sites and tourist attractions.

District Bahawalpur is a hot and dry climate area and therefore, the temperature raises up to 48º C in summer. Whereas, during winters, the minimum temperature falls to as low as 7º C.