For the fourth time in a row, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Tuesday extended the deadline for the nation’s ongoing digital census to April 30, according to a statement from the agency.
According to the PBS, the final date of the census has been extended by 5 days to April 30. “In pursuance of the meeting of Census, Monitoring Committee held on 15th April 2023, the Chief Census Commissioner/Chief Statistician, PBS has been pleased to approve the further extension in the census fieldwork for five days w.e.f 26th April-30th April 2023,” a notification from the bureau said.
Due to negative growth rates in some districts and data verification in other districts, the notification states that the deadline has been extended.
This is done to ensure “complete coverage and assurance of no leftover structure/houses in the selected districts/big cities where negative growth rate or very slow growth rate [has been] observed.”
Twelve districts and cities across four provinces have had the date extended due to the adverse population increase, according to a list published by the bureau.
These cities include Islamabad, Quetta, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Hyderabad. In Karachi’s Central, South, West, East, Malir, Kemari, and Orangi, a population decline was noted.
Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, and Quetta similarly had a decline in population or a marginal gain.
Latest Results of Digital Census
In addition, data verification is being done in 11 districts in Punjab and KP. According to the announcement, “the respective provincial government may also continue the physical verification process in 11 districts up to April 30, 2023 to ensure complete coverage.”
Gujranwala, Sialkot, Jhelum, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Attock, Chakwal, Peshawar, D I Khan, Abbottabad, and Tank are among these districts.
The seventh population count in the nation’s history is being carried out digitally for the first time by PBS, with field operations for the census starting on 1 March without any delays.
To ensure accurate execution of the remaining counts and thorough coverage, it has been extending the deadline for finishing the counting.
To read our blog on “Digital Census 100% coverage surety is on all governments,” click here.
