Pakistan Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Pakistan's net migration was -1.2M in 2025, ranked 1st globally. This represents a 11.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Pakistan's net migration stood at -1.2M in 2025, a rise of +165,837 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1.7M by 2026. Pakistan ranked 1st globally.
Pakistan has experienced significant fluctuations in net migration over the past 66 years, with the highest recorded net outflow in 1980 at 1,078,229 individuals and the lowest in 2016 at -2,290,411 people, a net inflow. The country's net migration rate has consistently been negative since 2016, with the latest available data showing a net outflow of 1,235,336 individuals in 2025. This makes Pakistan the country with the highest net migration outflow globally. In comparison, neighboring India has a net outflow of -495,753 individuals, while Bangladesh has a net outflow of -402,100 people. Germany, a peer country, has a net outflow of -334,072 individuals. The persistent and significant outflow of people from Pakistan suggests a long-term trend of emigration, which could be driven by factors such as economic instability, conflict, and limited opportunities. A stabilization in the economy or an improvement in living conditions could potentially alter the trajectory of net migration in Pakistan.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -1.9M | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -1.8M | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -1.7M | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.2M | +165,837 | #1 |
| 2024 | -1.4M | +218,384 | #1 |
| 2023 | -1.6M | −296,932 | #1 |
| 2022 | -1.3M | −756,952 | #3 |
| 2021 | -565,673 | −6,382 | #2 |
| 2020 | -559,291 | +617,929 | #2 |
| 2019 | -1.2M | +132,391 | #1 |
| 2018 | -1.3M | +264,974 | #1 |
| 2017 | -1.6M | +715,826 | #1 |
| 2016 | -2.3M | −118,249 | #1 |
| 2015 | -2.2M | −134,242 | #1 |
| 2014 | -2.0M | −131,601 | #1 |
| 2013 | -1.9M | −258,330 | #2 |
| 2012 | -1.6M | −757,356 | #1 |
| 2011 | -890,633 | −458,731 | #1 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Pakistan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistan's net migration was -1.2M in 2025. Ranked 1st globally. This represents a 11.8% increase from the previous year.
Pakistan's net migration peaked at 1.1M in 1980.
The lowest net migration in Pakistan was -2.3M in 2016.
Pakistan ranks 1st globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Pakistan's net migration is projected to reach -1.7M by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Pakistan in 2025 was -1.2M. This ranks 1st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_pakistan_net-migration,
title = {Pakistan Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/pakistan/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}