Islamabad: The incidence of twin and higher-order multiple births in Pakistan is approximately 1.6% of total births, highlighting regional and maternal variations, according to new data. This means that close to 1-2 out of every 100 births in the country involve twins or more, placing Pakistan within the normal biological range for such births.

According to Gilani Research Foundation, the analysis, conducted by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan using data from the Pakistan Demographic Survey by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, shows that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has the highest twin birth rate at 2.4%, followed by Sindh at 2.1%, Punjab at 1.8%, and Balochistan at 1.6%. These variations, while modest, are statistically meaningful and suggest demographic differences across regions.

Maternal age is a significant factor, with the probability of twin births rising to approximately 2.7% among mothers aged 35-44 years, compared to lower rates among younger age groups. This pattern aligns with established biological trends. Factors such as mother’s education and marital status also show distributional differences, but age remains the most significant demographic correlate.

The findings indicate that twin births, although relatively uncommon, are not evenly distributed across Pakistan. Regional patterns and maternal age are key factors influencing the likelihood of multiple births. This data has been compiled and visualized in the Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics Dashboard, providing insights into demographic variations in twin birth rates.