According to the latest results from Pakistan’s 2023 population census, Punjabi remains the most widely spoken language in the country, with 37% of the population using it as their primary mode of communication. This finding underscores the linguistic diversity within Pakistan, where regional languages dominate in various provinces.
Pashto and Sindhi Rank Second and Third
Pashto ranks as the second most spoken language, particularly dominant in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it is used by 81% of the population. Sindhi follows closely in third place, primarily spoken by 60% of people in Sindh. These findings reflect the regional linguistic preferences across the country.
Urdu’s Growing Presence Across Pakistan
Urdu, the national language of Pakistan, is spoken by around 9.25% of the population, according to the Census 2023 data. This represents a slight increase from 7.08% in 2017. The highest proportion of Urdu speakers can be found in Sindh, followed by Islamabad, where Urdu has become a common language of communication.
Provincial Breakdown of Language Use
- Punjab: Punjabi is overwhelmingly the dominant language, with 67% of the population speaking it. In the federal capital, Islamabad, 50% of the population also speaks Punjabi.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Pashto remains the predominant language in this province, spoken by 81% of the people, followed by Hindko at 9.39%.
- Sindh: Sindhi is the most commonly spoken language in Sindh, used by 60% of the population, with Urdu as the second most spoken language at 22.30%.
- Balochistan: Balochi is the primary language in Balochistan, spoken by nearly 40% of the population, followed by Pashto at 34.30%.
- Islamabad: The capital city is home to a diverse linguistic mix, with Urdu, Punjabi, and Pashto all commonly spoken among the population.
Key Trends from the 2023 Census
The 2023 census results highlight the significant linguistic diversity within Pakistan, reflecting the regional and cultural distinctions across its provinces. While Punjabi remains the most widely spoken language overall, the prominence of Pashto in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindhi in Sindh, and Balochi in Balochistan show the deep-rooted connections between language and geography in the country.
