Kalat’s voter registration rate stands at 38% of its estimated 2025 population — 16 percentage points below the national ratio of 54%.

Methodology

These figures are drawn from district-wise electoral roll statistics released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on 30 December 2025. They are cross-referenced against population estimates derived from the 2023 Digital Census. The 2025 population estimate applies the 4.35% inter-censal annual growth rate to Kalat’s census base population of 271,560, yielding an estimated 2025 population of 295,700. Registration rates are calculated by dividing the number of registered voters by this estimated population.

Voter registration in Kalat

The district has 113,708 registered voters — 63,767 males (56.1%) and 49,941 females (43.9%). Among males, 42% of the estimated population is registered; among females, 34%. Kalat ranks 119th out of 136 districts nationally by population size and is covered by no dedicated National Assembly constituency (it falls within a larger cross-district seat).

By voter registration rate, Kalat ranks 116th nationally and 19th of 34 within Balochistan.

Why registration trails the national ratio

An significant gender gap is the primary driver of Kalat’s below-average registration rate. Female voters account for 43.9% of the registered electorate — 13,826 fewer than male voters. Women’s registration stands at 34% of the estimated female population, against a male rate of 42%.

Unlike the census enumeration effect that explains the below-average ratio in major cities, Kalat’s gap reflects genuine non-registration. Women counted in the 2023 census as residents of Kalat are not correspondingly represented on the electoral roll.

Restricted mobility, lower female CNIC penetration, and social constraints on civic participation are the principal structural barriers. Mobile NADRA units and sustained ECP outreach through community networks in Kalat are essential to reduce this gap before the next general elections.

This post is part of FAFEN’s series on voter vs population ratio. Read more of this series here.