What Languages Do They Speak In Pakistan?

Explore the languages spoken in Pakistan on an interactive map.

Pakistan Languages: Quick FactsPakistan flag

Languages

1

Urdu

Population

231,400,000

Cost of living

~ $535

Index: 10.7

Safety / crime index

Moderate

Crime Index: 42.8

Language Spoken in Pakistan Percentage

LanguagePercentagePopulation
Urdu
7.1%16,429,400

Do They Speak English in Pakistan?

English proficiency

Low

Ranked #70 on the EF English Proficiency Index.

In short

You may get by with English in airports, hotels, and larger cities in Pakistan, but it becomes less reliable outside those areas. Knowing some Urdu is strongly recommended.

FAQ

Pakistan Language FAQ

Short answers to common questions about the main languages, English usage, and communication in Pakistan.

  • Urdu is the main language spoken in Pakistan.

  • Urdu is spoken by about 7.1% of the population in Pakistan.

    That corresponds to roughly 16,429,400 people.

  • Only sometimes. English may work in tourist-facing places, but it is safer to know at least some Urdu.

What languages do they speak in Pakistan?

Urdu is the main language spoken in Pakistan.

How widely spoken is Urdu in Pakistan?

Urdu is spoken by about 7.1% of the population in Pakistan.

That corresponds to roughly 16,429,400 people.

Can you get by with English in Pakistan?

Only sometimes. English may work in tourist-facing places, but it is safer to know at least some Urdu.

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