ISLAMABAD: The population of Pakistan as counted in September 1972 is 6,48,92,000, according to the provisional results of the population census released ... today [April 14]. Out of the total population 3,44,17,000 are male and 3,04,73,000 females.

The population of Pakistan in 1951 was 3,73,40,000 and in 1961 it was 4,28,80,000.

The growth rate between 1951-61 was 27.1 per cent ... whereas between 1961-72 ... the increase has been recorded at ... 51.33 per cent. Part of this increase can be attributed to better coverage in the 1972 census, but the fact remains Pakistan ... is facing a problem of rapid population growth due to generally high birth rate and recently declining death rate.

Karachi is the largest city ... with a population of 34,69,000 which is an increase of 81.33 per cent over the 1961 population. The population of Lahore, which is the second mostpopulate d city, has been counte d as 21,48,000 showing an increase of 65.75 per cent. ...

Amongst the provinces, the highest increase of 78.04 per cent is shown in ... Baluchistan.

It may be mentioned ... that part of the increase ... is due to the fact that the previous census was held in winter of January 1961, when some of the people migrate towards the plains. News agencies