Map of ethnic groups in Pakistan

Description:
This map shows ethnic groups on the Pakistan map.

Ethnic groups in Pakistan

Pakistan is a multiethnic country with over 200 million people, featuring diverse ethnic groups shaped by centuries of migrations, conquests, and cultural exchanges. The largest ethnic group is the Punjabis, comprising approximately 44.7% of the population, primarily residing in the Punjab province.

The second-largest ethnic group, the Pashtuns (15.4%), predominantly inhabits the northwestern regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and northern Balochistan. Sindhis, making up about 14.1% of the population, are mainly concentrated in the Sindh province.

The Saraikis (8.4%) live primarily in southern Punjab, while the Muhajirs (7.6%), descendants of Muslims who migrated from India during the 1947 partition, are largely urban-based, particularly in Karachi and other cities of Sindh. The Baloch people (3.6%) are native to the Balochistan province.

Several smaller ethnic groups include the Kashmiris, Hindkowans, and Chitralis. The northern regions are home to distinct ethnic groups such as the Baltis, Shinas, and Burushos. Each ethnic group maintains its own distinct language, customs, and cultural traditions, though Urdu serves as the national language and a bridge between different communities.

Despite urbanization and modernization, these ethnic groups largely preserve their traditional customs, dress, and social structures, contributing to Pakistan's rich cultural tapestry. Intermarriage between ethnic groups has become more common in urban areas, gradually leading to more cultural integration.