7th Population & Housing Census First-Ever Digital Census in Pakistan (2023-8)

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) is the National Statistics Office mandated for the collection & compilation and dissemination of data for informed decision making by conducting Censuses & Surveys. PBS has undergone Digital Transformation and shifted from Manual to Electronic data collection through tablets for its regular surveys with online monitoring linked with Geographic Information System (GIS). PBS is adopting standard statistical procedures and adopting new technologies for meeting the future demand of potential users.

CENSUS IN PAKISTAN:- Pakistan has so far conducted six population censuses since independence i.e... 1951,1961.1972,1981, 1998, and 2017.The Government of Pakistan constitutes a census Advisory Committee comprising of renowned demographers and experts, for recommendation and adoption of the best practices for upcoming Population Census with the mandate to review the census process, data collection and field operation methodologies used for census-2017.

7TH POPULATION & HOUSING CENSUS. "FIRST-EVER DIGITAL CENSUS IN PAKISTAN":- 7th Population and Housing Census will be the first Digital Census in Pakistan. This Census will be carried out by using De-Jure method of population counting. A "de-jure" census tallies people according to their regular or legal residence, and it is completed, normally, in one to two weeks' period. After conducting this census Pakistan will become first country in South Asia that go for a Digital Census.

FEATURES OF DIGITAL CENSUS:- Swift Data collection through Tablets Central Monitoring & Management System Census Support Centers at tehsil levels

⚫ Geotagging to all structures

Data reliability

Real Time Monitoring of the field work through online Dashboard

Rapid availability of census results

ENUMERATION PROCEDURES

The following processes will be applied in the 7th Digital Census

Self-Enumeration Process

For the first time this method has been introduce in Pakistan in the Census process.

A user friendly web portal will be launched 15 days prior to the Census day.

This will allow people for the first time to submit their census information within given time using a computer or any other Web-based Devices.

⚫ This will provide an opportunity to the well informed household member to submit the census information without being interviewed.

Census through Enumerators

This process will follow after the completion of the 15 days self-enumeration process

• The census data will be collected on the tabs.

• Enumerator will complete household listing in the initial three days. In the next 10 days, census data will be collected.

While the data of leftover and homeless persons will be collected in the last two days.

ABOUT THE DIGITAL CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRES AND INDICATORS

7th Population and Housing Census Questionnaires will cover the following indicators:

• Demographic characteristics

• Gender

• Literacy

Educational attainments

Employment status

Internal and International Migration

• Disabilities

• Housing

Enumerator's Responsibilities

Attend all 5 days training.

Read and fully understand the contents of the training manual.

Prior to listing visit assigned block/blocks.

• Obtain information on the location and boundaries of the assigned block/blocks.

• Establish contact with the Head of the Household or a responsible person.

• Ensure complete enumeration of entire assigned area.

• Ensure that filled in data is submitted on daily basis.

Contact Supervisor to resolve any matter of concern.

Must abstain from entering into political and/or religious discussions.

General Statistics Act-2011, the enumerator have to ensure complete confidentiality.

CENSUS FIELD OPERATIONS:- Census Field Operation and its overall conduct/monitoring is the responsibility and mandate of the Provincial Governments and the Role of District Administration is critical for successful census preparation. Basic responsibilities of Provincial/District governments included the following:

Provision of Field Staff

• Provision of space for Census Support Center

• Provision of staff for training at tehsil level

• Provision of Training Venues at tehsil level

• Monitoring the process of census field operation

Formation of Vigilance Committee

Area Frame Verification

Holding of meetings with all stakeholders

• Maintenance of proper record of census fund

•Assurance of certification of complete coverage and data quality.

PURPOSE OF DATA COLLECTION:- The data collected through Census is used for Informed Policy making and Planning.

On occasion of the 7th Population & Housing Census "First-ever digital census in Pakistan", Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.50/- denomination.