Pakistan Leads South Asia with Digital Census: Ahsan

APP

Islamabad: In a landmark achievement, Pakistan has become the first country in South Asia to conduct a fully digital census, marking a significant milestone in its developmental journey.

The “First Ever Digital Census Key Findings Report,” unveiled by Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, provides crucial data essential for urban and rural development and disaster response.

Operational Challenges

Addressing a ceremony, Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the transformative impact of Pakistan’s digital census. 

Over 120,000 individuals were trained to conduct the census digitally, overcoming initial operational challenges with support from the armed forces, police, and provincial authorities. The development of specialized software by PBS and NADRA under tight deadlines underscored Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing data collection methods.

National Significance

The census, constitutionally mandated every decade, faced scrutiny following concerns in 2017, necessitating a comprehensive update by 2027. With satellite geo-tagging from SUPARCO and approval from the Council of Common Interests (CCI), the 7th Digital Census achieved consensus among all stakeholders, providing accurate population statistics critical for policy formulation and resource allocation.

Global Positioning

Minister Ahsan Iqbal contextualized Pakistan’s development challenges amid economic instability, stressing the need for sustained policy continuity and fundamental reforms. Reflecting on global comparisons, he emphasized the importance of educational advancement and economic growth, positioning Pakistan strategically within the competitive global landscape.

Urban Dynamics

The census revealed Pakistan as the 5th most populous country globally, with Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta emerging as the most populous cities. Karachi leads with 20.4 million residents, followed by Lahore with 13 million, underscoring provincial capitals’ demographic significance in national planning.

Future Prospects 

Looking ahead, Minister Ahsan Iqbal advocated for peace, political stability, and sustained reforms over the next decade to ensure Pakistan’s relevance and competitiveness globally. He urged a concerted effort towards national development and prosperity, warning against complacency in an increasingly interconnected world.