Land and People — Demographics and Society
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Rapid summary for last-minute revision before your exam.
Land and People — Key Facts for FPSC CSS (Pakistan)
Population Statistics (2023):
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | ~240 million |
| Urban Population | ~38% |
| Rural Population | ~62% |
| Population Growth Rate | ~2.0% |
| Population Rank | 5th largest globally |
Ethnic Groups:
| Ethnic Group | Province/Area | Approx. % |
|---|---|---|
| Punjabi | Punjab | ~44% |
| Pashtun | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA | ~15% |
| Sindhi | Sindh | ~14% |
| Saraiki | South Punjab | ~10% |
| Baloch | Balochistan | ~4% |
| Muhajir | Urban Sindh (Karachi) | ~8% |
| Others | Various | ~5% |
Languages:
- Official: Urdu (national language)
- Provincial: Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi, Saraiki
- Others: Kashmiri, Brahui, Hindko
⚡ CSS Tip: Pakistan is the 5th most populous country in the world — this has major implications for economic planning and resource allocation.
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Standard content for students with a few days to months.
Land and People — Detailed Study Guide
Population and Demographics
Historical Population Growth
| Year | Population | Growth Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | 33.8 million | First census after independence |
| 1961 | 42.9 million | +27% |
| 1972 | 65.3 million | Rapid growth begins |
| 1981 | 83.8 million | +28% |
| 1998 | 130.6 million | +56% |
| 2017 | 207.7 million | Census after 19-year gap |
| 2023 | ~240 million | Projected |
Census Delays:
- 2017 census delayed from 2011 due to political reasons
- Population growth faster than economic growth
Rural vs. Urban Distribution
Urbanization Trends:
| Year | Urban % |
|---|---|
| 1951 | 17.4% |
| 1981 | 28.3% |
| 1998 | 32.5% |
| 2017 | 36.4% |
Major Cities:
| City | Population (metro) | Province |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | ~20 million | Sindh |
| Lahore | ~13 million | Punjab |
| Faisalabad | ~8 million | Punjab |
| Rawalpindi-Islamabad | ~5 million | Punjab/ICT |
| Multan | ~4 million | Punjab |
| Peshawar | ~4 million | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| Quetta | ~1 million | Balochistan |
Literacy and Education
Literacy Rate:
| Group | Literacy Rate |
|---|---|
| Overall | ~60% |
| Male | ~71% |
| Female | ~50% |
| Urban | ~77% |
| Rural | ~51% |
Challenges:
- Pakistan has lowest literacy rate in South Asia (after Afghanistan)
- 22 million children out of school (UNICEF)
- 5 million children start school but drop out early
Ethnic Groups — Detailed
Punjabi
- Largest ethnic group (~44%)
- Region: Punjab province
- Language: Punjabi (Shahmukhi script in Pakistan)
- Sub-groups: Potohar, Majha, Doaba, Malwa
- Culture: Rich traditions — bhangra, Punjabi cuisine
- Political influence: Dominates federal politics historically
Pashtun (Pakhtun)
- Second largest (~15%)
- Region: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA (now part of KP), northern Balochistan
- Language: Pashto
- Code: Pashtunwali (unwritten code of honor)
- Diaspora: Large communities in Karachi, UAE, UK
- Known for: Warrior tradition, tribal structure
Sindhi
- Third largest (~14%)
- Region: Sindh province
- Language: Sindhi (Arabic script)
- History: Indus Valley Civilization (Moen-jo-Daro)
- Culture: Sufi traditions, folk music
- Notable: Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (poet)
Muhajir
- Descendants of migrants from India (1947)
- Region: Primarily urban Sindh (especially Karachi)
- Language: Urdu (mother tongue for many)
- Political party: MQM (Muttahida Qaumi Movement)
- Economic role: Dominant in business and commerce
Baloch
- ~4% of population
- Region: Balochistan province
- Language: Balochi, Brahui
- Economy: Natural gas, oil, copper, gold
- Grievances: Perceived economic exploitation, military presence
- Insurgency: Baloch Liberation Front and others
Saraiki
- ~10% (sometimes counted with Punjabi)
- Region: South Punjab
- Language: Saraiki (distinct from Punjabi)
- Culture: Mix of Punjabi and Sindhi traditions
Religious Composition
Pakistan is an Islamic Republic:
| Religion | Approx. % |
|---|---|
| Islam | ~96% |
| Christianity | ~1.5% |
| Hinduism | ~1.5% |
| Ahmadiyya | ~0.3% (controversial — declared non-Muslim in 1974) |
| Others | <1% |
Sectarian Composition:
| Sect | Approx. % |
|---|---|
| Sunni (Barelvi) | ~60-65% |
| Sunni (Deobandi) | ~15-20% |
| Shia | ~15-20% |
| Others | <5% |
The Ahmadia Issue
- Founded: Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1839-1908)
- Claimed: Was both a prophet and mahdi
- 1974 Constitutional Amendment: Declared non-Muslim by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
- Consequences: Legal discrimination, mob attacks, passport difficulties
- International criticism: Human rights organizations condemn persecution
🔴 Extended — Deep Study (3mo+)
Comprehensive coverage for students on a longer study timeline.
Land and People — Complete Notes for FPSC CSS
Society and Social Issues
Caste System in Pakistan
- Despite Islam’s rejection of caste, social stratification persists
- Zulfaqar Qalandar: Pakistani cricketer — faced caste discrimination
- Rajput, Jat, Gujjar: Land-owning castes with influence
- Lower castes: Kamins, Bhil, Sahra — face social discrimination
Gender Issues
Key Statistics:
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Gender Gap Index | 135/146 (WEF 2023) |
| Female Labor Force Participation | ~25% |
| Women in Parliament | ~20% |
| Early marriages | Still common in rural areas |
Violence Against Women:
- Honor killings (Karo Kari): 1,000+ cases annually
- Domestic violence: Widespread, underreported
- Acid attacks: Hundreds of cases yearly
- Legal reforms: Protection of Women Act 2006, but enforcement weak
Progressive Reforms:
- Nisba: Women’s liberation part of Islamic teachings
- Benazir Bhutto: First female Prime Minister of an Islamic country (1988)
- Khadija: First female Muslim merchant mentioned in Quran
Sectarian Tensions
Major Sunni-Shia Incidents:
- 2011 Quetta Hazara bombing: 98 Shias killed
- 2012 Gilgit attack: 18 Shias killed in a bus
- Ongoing: Regular attacks on Shia processions in KP and Balochistan
Deobandi vs. Barelvi:
- Both Sunni but different practices
- Barelvi: Veneration of Prophet, saints, shrines
- Deobandi: Reject shrine visitation as bid’ah
- Tensions occasionally flare (e.g., terrorism against Sufi shrines)
Poverty and Inequality
Poverty Statistics:
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Multidimensional Poverty | ~38% |
| Extreme Poverty | ~5% |
| Gini Coefficient | ~31% |
| richest 1% hold | ~22% of national wealth |
Regional Disparities:
- Balochistan: Lowest Human Development Index
- Punjab: Highest
- Rural-urban gap significant
Cultural Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
| Site | Location | Year Inscribed |
|---|---|---|
| Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro | Sindh | 1980 |
| Taxila | Punjab | 1980 |
| Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 1980 |
| Pakistan’s Mountain Peaks | Gilgit-Baltistan | 2024 (transit) |
| Shalimar Gardens, Lahore | Punjab | 1981 |
| Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta | Sindh | 1993 |
| Rohtas Fort | Punjab | 2007 |
Traditional Arts and Crafts
Famous Crafts:
- Truck art: Colorful decorated trucks (Karachi)
- Balochi embroidery: Intricate stitching
- Kashmir shawls and carpets: Pashmina, Kashan
- Phulkari: Punjabi embroidery
- Blue pottery: Multan tradition
- Chadar: Woven blankets, Balochistan
Traditional Sports
- Polo: Gilgit-Baltistan (Shandur)
- Buzkashi: Afghanistan border areas
- Kabaddi: Punjab, Sindh
- Camel racing: Balochistan, Thar desert
CSS Examination Preparation
Key Questions:
1. "Describe the ethnic composition of Pakistan and the challenges it poses for national integration."
2. "What are the major social issues facing Pakistani society today?"
3. "Analyze Pakistan's gender gap and the state of women's rights."
4. "Discuss the sectarian tensions in Pakistan and their impact on national security."
5. "What is the Ahmadia issue and why is it controversial?"
Key Statistics to Memorize:
- Population: ~240 million (5th largest)
- Urban population: ~38%
- Literacy rate: ~60%
- Gender gap ranking: 135/146
- Major ethnic groups: Punjabi, Pashtun, Sindhi, Baloch, Muhajir
UNESCO Sites:
- Moenjodaro (Indus Valley)
- Taxila (Gandhara)
- Takht-i-Bahi (Buddhist monastery)
- Shalimar Gardens
- Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta
- Rohtas Fort⚡ CSS Strategy: Pakistan’s ethnic diversity is a double-edged sword — it enriches culture but creates political challenges. Focus on Balochistan and Sindhi grievances as recurring CSS themes.
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