Religious demographics in South Asia are a cornerstone of social and political planning. While both India and Pakistan have historically relied on decennial censuses, both nations are currently in a state of transition toward fully digital data collection.
Below is the religious breakdown for both countries based on the most recent official data and ongoing 2026 census operations.
1. Pakistan: The 2023 Digital Census
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) released the results of the 7th Population and Housing Census in 2024. This was Pakistan’s first-ever digital census.
Religious Composition (2023)
| Religion | Percentage | Notes |
| Islam | 96.35% | Predominantly Sunni (90–95%) and Shia (5–10%). |
| Hinduism | 1.61% | Mainly concentrated in the Sindh province. |
| Christianity | 1.37% | Significant populations in Punjab and urban Karachi. |
| Ahmadiyya | 0.09% | Legally categorized as non-Muslim in the census. |
| Others | 0.58% | Includes Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Kalash. |
- Official Reference: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) – 7th Digital Census Results
2. India: The 2011 Census & 2026 Digital Kickoff
India is currently operating on 2011 Census data, as the 2021 exercise was delayed. However, as of April 1, 2026, India has officially launched the first phase of the India Census 2027, which is being conducted as the world’s largest digital enumeration.
Religious Composition (Last Official: 2011)
| Religion | Percentage | Estimated Population (2011) |
| Hinduism | 79.80% | 966.3 Million |
| Islam | 14.23% | 172.2 Million |
| Christianity | 2.30% | 27.8 Million |
| Sikhism | 1.72% | 20.8 Million |
| Buddhism | 0.70% | 8.4 Million |
| Jainism | 0.37% | 4.5 Million |
| Other/Not Stated | 0.88% | 10.5 Million |
- Official Reference: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India
Visualizing the Religious Census
Infographic 1: Pakistan’s Digital Religious Tally
This graphic illustrates the 2023 Digital Census interface used by the PBS. It shows a digital dashboard with a green theme, featuring a pie chart dominated by the 96% Muslim majority, with specific call-outs for the Hindu and Christian minorities in Sindh and Punjab.
http://googleusercontent.com/image_generation_content/4
