Digital population census.

Digitisation is being introduced, encouraged and promoted in every sector of the national economy and activities both in public and private sectors in order to keep pace with scientific and technological innovations around the world. In furtherance of this quite appreciable objective and efforts, the 7th Population and Housing Census is being held in the country in February and March of 2023.

The Population and Housing Census, according to experts, is a vital national exercise which is linked with the provision of the latest data for key policy-making matters regarding development programmes, political representation and resource allocation at the federal, provincial and other levels.

A national census is mandated by the Constitution of Pakistan to be held every ten years. But there have been instances, quite unfortunately, that the census has either been delayed considerably or held earlier than the stipulated period for varying reasons in the country's politically chequered history of 75 years.

According to information available from official sources, the first-ever Digital Population and Housing Census are being held on the basis of comprehensive recommendations made by the Census Advisory Committee earlier last year. The main recommendations of the Census Advisory Committee include; conducting the census digitally with real-time online monitoring and geo-tagging of all structures. It must ensure universality, counting of the whole population residing in the country. De-jure method of enumeration is recommended. A Single Census questionnaire may be administered which must be strictly in relevance to the objectives of the census. Law enforcement agencies may be used for security but not for enumeration.

Furthermore, field data collection and monitoring may be carried out by provincial governments' staff. Comprehensive trainings and involvement of graduate students in the remuneration process is recommended. Involvement of stakeholders from start to finish. Establishment of a National Census Coordination Centre (N3C) with representation of provincial governments for effective monitoring coordination and policy decisions. Effective publicity campaign with effective use of social...