Bajaur’s voter registration rate stands at 52% of its estimated 2025 population — two 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 2.81% inter-censal annual growth rate to Bajaur’s census base population of 1,287,960, yielding an estimated 2025 population of 1,361,361. Registration rates are calculated by dividing the number of registered voters by this estimated population.

Voter registration in Bajaur

The district has 709,113 registered voters — 390,696 males (55.1%) and 318,417 females (44.9%). Among males, 57% of the estimated population is registered; among females, 47%. Bajaur ranks 71st out of 136 districts nationally by population size and is represented by one Member of the National Assembly.

By voter registration rate, Bajaur ranks 67th nationally and 25th of 35 within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Why registration trails the national ratio

An significant gender gap is the primary driver of Bajaur’s below-average registration rate. Female voters account for 44.9% of the registered electorate — 72,279 fewer than male voters. Women’s registration stands at 47% of the estimated female population, against a male rate of 57%.

Unlike the census enumeration effect that explains the below-average ratio in major cities, Bajaur’s gap reflects genuine non-registration. Women counted in the 2023 census as residents of Bajaur 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 Bajaur 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.