ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: In pursuance of directions of the Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal to complete census exercise on May 15, 2023 for timely handing over data to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) higher management has decided to hold series of meetings starting with the Chief Commissioner Islamabad on May 1, 2023.
Such meetings will also be conducted with the provincial government of Punjab on May 2, 2023, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on May 3, 2023, Sindh on May 4, 2023 and Balochistan on May 5, 2023.
Chief Census Commissioner Dr Naeem uz Zafar chaired a meeting today at #PakPBS HQs with ICT Administration and #PakPBS to address issues of low/negative growth rate and devise modalities to ensure complete and accurate enumeration in those areas.#DigitalCensusPk #Census2023 pic.twitter.com/Zu9BlgLbcJ
— Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (@PBSofficialpak) May 1, 2023
A meeting between the PBS higher management and ICT administration under the chair of Chief Census Commissioner Dr. Naeem Uz Zafar to determine the reasons (gaps) of low coverage in Islamabad and devise a targeted strategy to ensure complete coverage till May 15, 2023 was held in the National Census Coordination Centre (N3C) PBS Head Office on May 1, 2023.
The reasons of low coverage determined through data analysis and ground realities were discussed in detail with ICT administration.
As ICT Administration is fully responsible for completion of Census Field Work in Islamabad.
The problems of negative growth rate specially in Islamabad Urban are lack of security of Enumerators, non-response, non-coverage of collective residences like hostels, madrassas etc. low coverage in high rise buildings, high percentage of one person and two persons’ households, over reporting of non-living households.
It was mutually agreed that all efforts will be made to reduce the gaps identified by the PBS.
In today’s meeting with ICT Administration, Chief Census Commissioner Dr Naeem uz Zafar discussed issues of low/-ve population growth & way forward for complete coverage. Member SSRM Mr. Sarwar Gondal & other #PakPBS senior management also attended.#DigitalCensusPk #Census2023 pic.twitter.com/gmRGzPVilP
— Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (@PBSofficialpak) May 1, 2023
Mr Sarwar Gondal, Member SSRM, PBS stressed on regular field visits of DC and ACs for effective monitoring. He also emphasized on daily progress sharing as strict action is needed to conclude the exercise on May 15, 2023. Islamabad Administration was fully agreed with the concept of targeted approach. Deputy Commissioner apprised that he has already directed all ACs to undertake field visit to ensure complete coverage and plug in the gaps identified by PBS. Results will be visible in coming days.
Further, daily progress sharing, vigilance visits of DC and ACs in field in their respective areas of responsibility, complete security of field staff and strict action for the enumerators who have neglected their duties were also assured.
The Commissioner ICT directed the DC to provide fool proof security to field staff coverage by engaging Rangers. He also advised to make utmost efforts to ensure complete coverage.
The Chief Census Commissioner Dr Naeem Uz Zafar anticipated that with cooperation of ICT Administration and the PBS by taking remedial measures, the exercise will be completed successfully on May 15, 2023.
