Regions
Major cities of Pakistan
Pakistan's largest cities are Karachi, with more than 20 million people, and Lahore, with over 11 million, followed by Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Peshawar, Multan, Hyderabad and Quetta. Islamabad, built from 1960, is the smallest by population among the major centres but is the seat of government.
Quick facts
- Largest city
- Karachi, over 20 million
- Second largest
- Lahore, over 11 million
- Capital
- Islamabad, since 1966
- Textile centre
- Faisalabad
Background
Urbanisation is concentrated along the Indus corridor and the Punjab canal belt. Karachi is the main port and industrial centre; Lahore is the cultural and administrative capital of Punjab; Faisalabad is the textile hub; Rawalpindi adjoins Islamabad as one metropolitan area. Each of these cities has a distinct historical layer, from Mughal Lahore to colonial Karachi.
Key entries
- Karachi
Port megacity and capital of Sindh.
- Lahore
Mughal capital and cultural centre of Punjab.
- Peshawar
One of South Asia's oldest cities.
- Multan
Shrine city of southern Punjab.
- Quetta
Highland capital of Balochistan.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the largest city in Pakistan?
- Karachi, with a population of more than 20 million.
- Is Islamabad the largest city?
- No. It is the capital but far smaller than Karachi or Lahore.