Cities of Pakistan

Pakistan's urban landscape is characterized by a diverse mix of ancient and modern cities. The largest metropolis, Karachi, serves as the country's primary financial center and main seaport, with a population exceeding 23 million people. It handles approximately 95% of Pakistan's foreign trade and contributes significantly to the national GDP.

Lahore, the second-largest city and cultural capital of Pakistan, boasts a rich historical heritage dating back over a millennium. The city features numerous Mughal-era monuments, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lahore Fort. The capital city, Islamabad, was purpose-built in the 1960s and is known for its modern architecture, grid-based layout, and position at the foot of the Margalla Hills.

Several Pakistani cities have significant industrial importance. Faisalabad is renowned as the textile capital of Pakistan, while Sialkot is globally recognized for manufacturing sports goods and surgical instruments. Rawalpindi, which serves as the headquarters for Pakistan's military, has effectively merged with Islamabad to form a large metropolitan area.

Historical cities like Multan and Peshawar have existed for over two millennia and continue to serve as important regional centers. Multan is famous for its Sufi shrines and cotton production, while Peshawar functions as a major commercial and cultural hub near the Afghan border. The rapid urbanization in Pakistan has led to the emergence of several medium-sized cities, with urban population growth averaging 3% annually.

List of the largest cities and towns in Pakistan