Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) is one of Pakistan’s most diverse provinces in terms of geography, culture, and population distribution. The district wise population data of KPK from the 2023 census provides a clear and updated picture of how people are spread across the province, from densely populated urban centers to sparsely inhabited mountainous districts. This article presents an overview of KPK’s population at the district level, helping readers understand demographic trends, growth patterns, and regional variations. Such data is essential for planning in areas like development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and effective resource allocation across the province.
According to the census 2023 of Pakistan, population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KPK Province is 40,856,097. KPK is the third most populated province of Pakistan.
KPK District Wise Population List 2023 census:
Following is the district wise population of KPK according to the census conducted by Pakistan Bureau of census in 2023:
| Serial No | Name Of District | Population (2023 Census) | Growth rate |
| 1 | Bannu | 1,357,890 | 1.94 |
| 2 | Lakki Marwat | 1,040,856 | 2.42 |
| 3 | North Waziristan | 693,332 | 4.25 |
| 4 | Dera Ismail khan | 1,829,811 | 1.30 |
| 5 | South Waziristan | 888,675 | 4.70 |
| 6 | Tank | 470,293 | 1.63 |
| 7 | Abbotabad | 1,419,072 | 1.05 |
| 8 | Batagram | 554,133 | 2.55 |
| 9 | Haripur | 1,174,783 | 2.70 |
| 10 | Kolai Palas Kohistan | 280,162 | 0.23 |
| 11 | Lower Kohistan | 340,017 | 9.01 |
| 12 | Mansehra | 1,797,177 | 2.44 |
| 13 | Torghar | 200,445 | 2.66 |
| 14 | Upper Kohistan | 422,947 | 5.59 |
| 15 | Hangu | 528,902 | 0.32 |
| 16 | Karak | 815,878 | 2.46 |
| 17 | Kohat | 1,234,661 | 1.78 |
| 18 | Kurram | 785,434 | 4.16 |
| 19 | Orakzi | 387,561 | 7.30 |
| 20 | Bajaur | 1,287,960 | 2.81 |
| 21 | Buner | 1,016,869 | 2.15 |
| 22 | Lower Chitral | 320,407 | 2.38 |
| 23 | Lower Dir | 1,650,183 | 2.35 |
| 24 | Malakand Protected Area | 826,250 | 2.38 |
| 25 | Shangla | 891,252 | 2.71 |
| 26 | Swat | 2,687,384 | 2.57 |
| 27 | Upper Chitral | 195,528 | 2.44 |
| 28 | Upper Dir | 1,083,566 | 2.27 |
| 29 | Mardan | 2,744,898 | 2.46 |
| 30 | Swabi | 1,894,600 | 2.59 |
| 31 | Charsadda | 1,835,504 | 2.20 |
| 32 | Khyber | 1,146,267 | 2.58 |
| 33 | Mohmand | 553,933 | 2.63 |
| 34 | Nowshera | 1,740,705 | 2.28 |
| 35 | Peshawar | 4,758,762 | 1.58 |
Overview of KPK District-Wise Population (2023 Census)
The 2023 population census presents a comprehensive picture of how Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s population is distributed across its districts, highlighting both demographic concentration and growth dynamics. At the provincial level, Peshawar stands out as the most populous district, with a population of 4,758,762 and a growth rate of 1.58 percent, reflecting its role as the administrative, economic, and educational hub of the province. Other highly populated districts include Mardan with 2,744,898 people, Swat with 2,687,384, and Swabi with 1,894,600, all showing steady growth rates above two percent, indicating sustained urbanization and natural population increase.
Population Trends in Southern Districts
Southern districts of the province show varied demographic patterns. Dera Ismail Khan has a population of 1,829,811 with a relatively moderate growth rate of 1.30 percent, while Bannu records 1,357,890 people and a growth rate of 1.94 percent. Lakki Marwat, with a population of 1,040,856, shows a comparatively higher growth rate of 2.42 percent. Tank remains one of the less populous districts at 470,293, growing at 1.63 percent, reflecting its largely rural and agrarian character.
Demographic Growth in Newly Merged Tribal Districts
The former tribal districts exhibit some of the highest growth rates in the province. North Waziristan and South Waziristan have populations of 693,332 and 888,675 respectively, with growth rates exceeding four percent, indicating rapid demographic expansion after administrative integration. Kurram, Orakzai, Bajaur, Mohmand, and Khyber also show strong growth trends, ranging between 2.5 and 7.3 percent, reflecting improvements in stability, healthcare access, and population reporting.
Population Distribution in Hazara and Northern Regions
In the Hazara and northern belt, districts display contrasting population sizes. Mansehra has a population of 1,797,177 with a growth rate of 2.44 percent, while Abbottabad records 1,419,072 people but a lower growth rate of 1.05 percent. Haripur shows a population of 1,174,783 with a relatively high growth rate of 2.70 percent. Mountainous districts such as Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, Kolai Palas Kohistan, and Torghar have smaller populations but, in some cases, exceptionally high growth rates, with Lower Kohistan reaching about nine percent.
Population Patterns in Malakand and Chitral Divisions
The Malakand division also reflects steady demographic expansion. Lower Dir and Upper Dir together account for over 2.7 million people, while Buner, Shangla, and Malakand Protected Area show consistent growth above two percent. In the far north, Lower Chitral and Upper Chitral remain sparsely populated but stable. Overall, the 2023 census highlights a province marked by demographic diversity, with population concentration in central districts and rapid growth in newly merged and mountainous regions, carrying important implications for planning and development.
Which is the largest District Of KPK with respect to population according to 2023 census?
Peshawar is the largest district of Khyber Pakhyunkhwa. According to 2023 census, its population is 4,758,762.
Which is the 2nd most populated District of K.P.K?
Mardan is the 2nd most populated district with 2,744,898 residents.
Which is the 3rd most Populated District?
Swat is the 3rd most populated Dist. with 2,687,384 inhabitants.