Borough Market in London: stalls and shoppers
Guide Pakistan → United Kingdom · community · checked 1 Nov 2026

The Pakistani community in the UK

Where Pakistani people live, where they meet, and how to keep a piece of home close.

Photo: Pexels
In numbers

How many Pakistani people live in the UK?

At the 2021 census, 1,587,819 people in England and Wales gave their ethnic group as Pakistani: 2.7% of everyone. 623,557 were born in Pakistan, the third most common country of birth outside the UK.

1.59 millionPakistani ethnic group
623,557born in Pakistan
No. 3birth country outside the UK
2.7%of England and Wales
482,000born in Pakistan in 2011

Census 2021, England and Wales (ONS; Nomis tables TS021 and TS012). Scotland and Northern Ireland count separately.

Where people live

Where Pakistani people live in the UK

Birmingham has the biggest community, and in Bradford a quarter of the city is of Pakistani background.

BHM
Birmingham195,102 people of Pakistani background: 17.0% of the city, the most anywhere.
BFD
Bradford139,553 people of Pakistani background: 25.5% of the city.
MAN
Manchester and the North65,875 in Manchester, with big communities in Kirklees (Huddersfield, Dewsbury) and Oldham.
SLO
Luton, Slough and LondonSlough 21.7% and Luton 18.3% of Pakistani background; in London most of all in Redbridge.
Community life

A piece of home, close by

Msq
MosquesIn the towns with a big community; many run Quran and Urdu classes for children.
Urdu
Urdu classesWeekend Urdu lessons for children at mosques and community centres.
Food
Food streetsBirmingham's Balti Triangle and Manchester's Curry Mile on Wilmslow Road, plus Pakistani grocers on many high streets.
PHC
Pakistani missionsThe High Commission in London and consulates in Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester and Glasgow: passports, NICOP and documents.phclondon.org →
TV
Pakistani TVThe channels and dramas from home, in the UK.Read the TV guide →
A cosy living room in the evening with a TV and warm shelf lights
Miss home?

The channels you grew up with, here

The news from home, your dramas and the big matches. Live in the UK, on your TV.

How to watch Pakistani TV in the UK →
Advertisement: 157 Pakistani channels, live, with VOLTIX →
Photo: Pexels
Online

Where Pakistani people in the UK meet online

Facebook and WhatsApp groups are where much of the community talks: jobs, rooms to rent, advice and events.

FB
Your town's groupSearch Facebook groups for "Pakistanis in" plus your town, like "Pakistanis in Bradford" or "Pakistanis in Birmingham".
Msq
Your mosqueMost mosques post their events, classes and Eid times on Facebook and in WhatsApp groups.
PHC
The High CommissionNews, services and appointments for Pakistanis in the UK.phclondon.org →

Stay safe: groups are great for jobs and rooms, but never send money or photos of your ID to someone you only know from a group.

Quick answers

Questions people ask

How many Pakistani people live in the UK?

At the 2021 census, 1,587,819 people in England and Wales gave their ethnic group as Pakistani, and 623,557 were born in Pakistan: the third most common country of birth outside the UK. Scotland and Northern Ireland count separately.

Where do most Pakistani people live in the UK?

Birmingham has the most (195,102), and in Bradford a quarter of the city is of Pakistani background. Manchester, Kirklees, Luton, Slough and Redbridge in London have big communities too.

Where can my children learn Urdu?

Many mosques and community centres run weekend Urdu classes. Ask at your nearest one.

Where is the Pakistani consulate?

The High Commission is in London, with consulates in Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester and Glasgow. Book through phclondon.org.

Are there Facebook groups for Pakistani people in the UK?

Yes, lots. Search Facebook groups for "Pakistanis in" plus your town.

Can I watch Pakistani TV in the UK?

Yes. Our Pakistani TV in the UK guide shows every option, from ARY Digital on Sky and free dramas on YouTube to all-in-one subscriptions.

More for Pakistani people in the UK

Guides for you

Pakistani TV in the UKEvery way to watch Pakistani channels and dramas in the UK, compared.The Pakistani community in the UKWhere Pakistani people live, community life and where people meet online.Moving from Pakistan to the UKA plain checklist: before you go and your first weeks.
Sources