How Many Cities in Pakistan? 149 Officially Recognised (2023)

As per the **Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) / Population Census Organisation**, there are **149 officially recognised cities** in Pakistan as of the **2023 Census** (7th Population & Housing Census).

Definition of a "City" in Pakistan

• **Population ≥ 50,000**
• **Population density ≥ 1,000 persons/km²**
• **Urban characteristics** (municipal governance, infrastructure, non-agricultural workforce majority).
• Notified by provincial government under relevant Local Government Acts.

Top 10 Most Populous Cities (2023 Census Estimates)

Notes

• **Karachi** is a megacity (likely >20M metro); official city proper ~16.8M.
• **Islamabad Capital Territory** counted as a city.
• Many "towns" (25k–50k) and "municipal committees" exist below city threshold.
• Rapid urbanization: 37% urban (2023) → projected 50% by 2050.

Data source: **Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 7th Population & Housing Census 2023 (Provisional/Key Findings).**