Sher Shah is a large rural settlement which is situated in Tehsil Multan Saddar of Multan District, Punjab Province, Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics 2023 census, this rural town has a total population of 34,291 individuals, including 17,472 males and 16,819 females. Males constitute 51.0 percent, while females make up 49.0 percent of the population. The total land area of Sher Shah is 9,128 acres, giving it a population density of about 3.76 persons per acre.
Literacy Performance in Sher Shah
The literacy rate of Sher Shah is 37.8 percent for the population aged 10 years and above. This is considerably below the Multan District average of 61.41 percent, reflecting a negative gap of -23.61 percentage points. Male literacy stands at 44.4 percent, substantially below the district male average (67.28 percent) by -22.88 points. Female literacy is 31.1 percent, which is significantly lower than the district female average (55.27 percent) by -24.17 points. These figures indicate very significant challenges in educational access and development across both genders, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive educational interventions to strengthen literacy outcomes and substantially bridge the wide gap with district standards.
Educational Qualification Breakdown
- Primary but below Matric: 3,038 males and 2,129 females
- Matric but below Degree: 1,117 males and 642 females
- Degree and above: 180 males and 129 females
These numbers show a marked decline in participation at higher educational levels, particularly among females. While 2,129 women have completed primary education, only 642 continue through to matriculation, and 129 achieve degree-level qualifications. The significant drop-off at each educational stage suggests considerable challenges in retention and access to higher education. Despite these obstacles, the presence of 129 women with degrees demonstrates that pathways to higher education exist within the community, though substantial efforts to expand access and encourage educational continuation would help strengthen overall academic achievement and narrow the gender gap.
Community Composition of Sher Shah
Out of the total population of Sher Shah, there are 34,148 Muslims, while 143 individuals belong to other faiths. The literacy-eligible population aged 10 years and above is 24,580. The adult population aged 18 years and above is 17,948, while senior citizens aged 60 years and above number 1,438. This shows a community with a substantial working-age demographic and a healthy elderly segment.
Data Summary
| Parameter | Value | District Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 34,291 | – |
| Males | 17,472 (51.0%) | – |
| Females | 16,819 (49.0%) | – |
| Literacy Rate | 37.8% | 23.61% below district |
| Male Literacy | 44.4% | 22.88% below district |
| Female Literacy | 31.1% | 24.17% below district |
| Adult Population (18+) | 17,948 | – |
| Senior Citizens (60+) | 1,438 | – |
| Area | 9,128 Acres | – |
| Population Density | ≈ 3.76 persons/acre | – |