In just six years, Pakistan population increases by 35mln, hits 250mln
2 Min Read
Law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar warns that there might be a two-and-a-half-month polling delay due to this "big challenge" as called by PM Shehbaz Sharif.
-
Pakistan is one of the fastest-growing populations in the region. (AFP)
According to the findings of the most recent census released on Saturday, Pakistan now has a population of 250 million, an increase of 35 million in just six years.
The 2.5% yearly growth rate, according to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is a "big challenge" for the country's tight budget.
"Pakistan's population growth rate is more than Pakistan's economic growth," Sharif said.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics carried out the first digital census of the nation throughout May 2023.
According to Sharif, the upcoming election, which is scheduled for mid-November, will be conducted using the most recent census data, with the information being used to define constituencies.
If the census findings were not accepted in a timely manner or if any changes to constituencies necessitated by the census could not be carried out, there had been speculation that the election would be postponed.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told a local television channel that now, "it is up to the election commission how quickly it completes the (delimitations) of the constituencies."
He warned that there might be a two-and-a-half-month polling delay.
According to Sharif's office, the four province ministers and the representatives of the coalition parties approved the census findings.
An important ally, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, has earlier claimed that the population of Karachi was undercounted in the census.
Later this week, the nation's national assembly is anticipated to be dissolved, and an interim administration will take over.
Enumerating citizens is a politically contentious act that can change claims to power and limit state resources in a country divided along ethnic lines.
In April, the World Bank predicted that just over 37% of people will be living in poverty and earning less than $3.65 a day.
The growing threat of climate change, which scientists think is the cause of more frequent and stronger heatwaves and heavier monsoon rains, is added to the nation's various issues, including poor literacy rates and an inadequate health system.
