Which city is Pakistan's second-most populous?

Lahore is Pakistan’s second-most populous city, after Karachi.

Lahore is the capital and largest city of Punjab province. Pakistan’s 2023 census counted 13,004,135 people in Lahore District, confirming its position behind Karachi in national population rankings. Population totals can vary depending on whether a source counts the municipal area, district, built-up urban area, or wider metropolitan region.

The city stands on the Ravi River near Pakistan’s eastern border and has been a major centre of Punjabi culture, education, publishing, industry, and politics. Its historic core includes the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and the Walled City, while the city’s modern expansion has produced a large metropolitan economy.

A frequent mix-up is placing Islamabad second because it is Pakistan’s national capital. Islamabad is politically important but far smaller than Lahore. Karachi remains the country’s largest city, while Lahore is the principal urban centre of Punjab and one of South Asia’s major cultural cities.