I am an expert in the field of religious studies and geopolitics, with a particular focus on South Asia. It is my pleasure to provide you with a detailed answer regarding the main religion in Pakistan.

Pakistan is a country with a rich tapestry of cultural and religious diversity. However, it is predominantly a Muslim-majority nation.
Islam is the state religion of Pakistan, and it is the faith of the vast majority of its population. According to various sources and surveys, approximately 95-98% of Pakistanis identify themselves as Muslims. This makes Pakistan one of the countries with the largest Muslim populations in the world, second only to Indonesia.

Within the Muslim community in Pakistan, there is a significant diversity in terms of sects and schools of thought. The majority of Muslims in Pakistan are Sunni, which is estimated to be around 75-95% of the total Muslim population. This is a broad estimate, as the exact percentage can vary depending on the source and the methodology of the survey. Sunni Islam is characterized by its adherence to the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad and the first four caliphs, and it is the largest branch of Islam globally.

In addition to Sunni Muslims, there is a significant minority of Shia Muslims in Pakistan, who are estimated to make up about 5-20% of the total Muslim population. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2012 found that 6% of Pakistani Muslims identified themselves as Shia. Shia Muslims are known for their particular reverence for the family of the Prophet Muhammad, especially Ali, the fourth caliph and cousin of the Prophet, and his descendants.

It is important to note that while Islam is the dominant religion, Pakistan also has a small but significant number of adherents to other faiths. These include Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and followers of other religions. The Pakistani constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and the government has taken steps to protect the rights of religious minorities.

The religious landscape of Pakistan is also influenced by the country's history and its role as a center for Islamic scholarship and culture. The country has been home to numerous Sufi saints and scholars who have contributed to the development of Islamic thought and practice. Sufism, a mystical dimension of Islam, has a significant following in Pakistan and plays a role in shaping the religious practices and beliefs of many Pakistanis.

In conclusion, while Pakistan is a country with a diverse religious makeup, Islam stands out as the main religion, with the majority of its adherents being Sunni Muslims. The presence of a significant Shia minority, along with followers of other faiths, adds to the religious diversity of the country. The role of Islam in shaping Pakistan's culture, society, and politics is profound, and it continues to be a defining characteristic of the nation.

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Islam is the state religion of Pakistan, and about 95-98% of Pakistanis are Muslim. Pakistan has the second largest number of Muslims in the world after Indonesia. The majority are Sunni (estimated at 75-95%), with an estimated 5-20% Shia. A PEW survey in 2012 found that 6% of Pakistani Muslims were Shia.read more >>