ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Bureau of Statistic (PBS) has informed the Supreme Court of Pakistan that federal government has decided to carry out census in the country possibly in March 2017.
The bureau also informed the court that the required funds have been allocated by the Ministry of Finance in the fiscal year 2016-17 for carrying out entire process of census.
However, PBS informed, the holding of census and its process is subjected to availability of armed forces to ensure the credibility and transparency of entire process.
“In case, necessary strength of the armed forces personnel is made available, a fresh date will be proposed to the Council of Common Interest (CCI) for holding of the census in the country, possibly in March/April 2017,” said PBS in the report submitted before the top court on Tuesday.
PBS submitted its report on behalf of federal government in compliance of the top court’s order, early issued on July 15, in suo moto notice regarding delay in carrying out census in the country.
The report read that PBS has completed essential arrangement on the civil side for holding of Census in the country.
“The Military Operations (MO) Directorate will reassess, by the end of the year, the availability of armed forced personnel for census exercise in the country,” the report however said.
Emphasizing holding of census falls within the purview of CCI, the report further said that on completion of CNIC verification, National Database and Regulation Authority (NADRA) through interior ministry will inform PBS regarding blocked and cancelled CNICs issued to Afghans and other ‘Aliens.’
“In parallel, PBS shall firm up preparations for use of latest technology in data collection i.e Android Cell Phones/Tablets, to the possible extent,” the compliance report stated.
The report further said that recommendations of locals and foreign experts regarding possible alternative methodologies for holding of credible census are being examined.
PBS prayed before the top court to accept the compliance report submitted on behalf of federal government.
