Macrotrends projects Pakistan's life expectancy at 68.08 years for 2025, a slight increase from the previous year. Other data, such as Wikipedia's 2022 estimate of 69.1 years, shows some variation. This places Pakistan below the current global average of about 73.7 years. This national average also hides significant differences based on gender and location.
Significant Variations in Life Expectancy
The Persistent Gender Gap
As is common globally, Pakistani women tend to live longer than men. Recent Statista figures for 2023 indicate a life expectancy of 70.16 years for women compared to 65.33 years for men. This gap may be influenced by biological, behavioral, and social factors. Men in Pakistan often have higher rates of certain cancers linked to smoking and chewing tobacco, which contributes to their lower longevity.
Geographical Disparities Across Provinces
A 2023 study using Global Burden of Disease 2019 data highlighted significant variations in life expectancy across Pakistan's subnational units.
- Highest Life Expectancy: Islamabad Capital Territory recorded the highest average at 72.7 years in 2019. Azad Jammu and Kashmir also saw increases, reaching 68.6 years by 2019.
- Lowest Life Expectancy: Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces showed the least improvement in life expectancy between 1990 and 2019. These areas face challenges including conflict, poverty, and limited healthcare access.
Critical Factors Influencing Health Outcomes
Disease Burden and Leading Causes of Death
Pakistan faces significant health challenges from both communicable and non-communicable diseases. In 2019, major causes of premature mortality included neonatal disorders, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, diarrhoeal diseases, and lower respiratory infections. Malnutrition is also a key risk factor. While progress has been made against infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases are increasing.
Environmental and Socioeconomic Challenges
Life expectancy is often lower in less affluent communities. Contributing factors include:
- Malnutrition
- Air pollution
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits like poor diet and tobacco use
- Impacts of climate change, such as natural disasters, which affect vulnerable, older populations.
A Remarkable Exception: The Hunza Valley
The Hunza Valley is known for the longevity of its residents, who often reach 100 years. This is attributed to their traditional diet, physically active lifestyle, and pollution-free environment.
Life Expectancy: Pakistan vs. South Asian Neighbors
Comparing Pakistan's life expectancy with its neighbors offers regional context.
| Country | 2023 Life Expectancy (years) | Key Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | ~75 | Higher life expectancy with noted progress in health. |
| India | ~72 | Higher life expectancy with regional differences. |
| Pakistan | ~68 | Lower than neighbors, reflecting ongoing health challenges. |
Conclusion: Navigating Future Health Improvements
While Pakistan has improved life expectancy, it still lags behind its neighbors, and significant disparities persist. Addressing the burden of both infectious and chronic diseases, tackling malnutrition and pollution, and improving access to healthcare are crucial for future progress. Equitable investment and policy interventions are needed to reduce gender, regional, and socioeconomic gaps. For more data, see the World Bank portal [https://data.worldbank.org/?locations=PK-IN-BD-CN].
