Currently, Pakistan’s population is over 245 million, and it is expected to surpass that of Indonesia in 2048, reaching 331.29 million. The report notes that Pakistan’s population growth rate is one of the highest in the region, at 2.40%, and is expected to decrease to less than 1% by 2050, when the population is expected to cross 300 million.

Globally, the population is expected to reach a peak of 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s and then decline to 10.2 billion. The report highlights the importance of accurate population data for achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in low-income and lower-middle-income countries where rapid population growth is expected to continue. In contrast, population decline is expected in high-income countries.

The report emphasizes the need for investment in education, particularly for girls, and reproductive health services to address population growth challenges. Early pregnancies remain a significant issue in low-income countries, with 4.7 million babies born to mothers under 18 in 2024. Investing in education and reproductive health services can have positive outcomes for women’s health, educational attainment, and labor force participation.

The report also notes that changes in population growth are uneven and that the demographic landscape is evolving, with rapid population growth in some areas and rapid aging in others. This makes reliable population data more important than ever, particularly for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.