Controversies surround population census

The ongoing population census being conducted by the federal government has become controversial right from the start, experts told Pakistan Today. The census is carried out in two phases, starting with house listing which will be followed by a general census. As per the figures from the last census, the total population of the country in March 1998 was 130.58 million, of which Punjab was comprised of 72.5 million, Sindh 29.9 million, NWFP 15.5 million, Balochistan 6.5 million and Fata 3.1 million. 

Read more...

Population census, poverty survey to co-exist for first time: Palijo

Population census, poverty survey to co-exist for first time: Palijo

KARACHI: Sindh Culture Minister Sassui Palijo said Thursday that a population census will be conducted in Pakistan after many years and the people of Sindh should come forward and show their strength by providing precise figures so that real statistics could be ascertained.

This she said while talking to media, on her return from Islamabad, where she attended the meeting of BISP poverty survey programme under the chairmanship of Pakistan president. Palijo represented the Sindh province in this meeting.

Palijo said that President Zardari desired real facts and figures to be ascertained in the poverty survey and population census adding that the future policies will be formulated accordingly with the true representation of provinces on the basis of records.

Palijo further said that this is the first time and in PPP’s government that the BISP poverty survey was initiated alongside the long-standing population census. NADRA has already sped up the process of issuing CNICs for male and female members and through its modernised system it will also reject fake and duplicate votes, she added.

The minister further said that rigging would be curbed in next elections and according to new population census, real figures of the province will be obtained, which will be helpful for the proper representation of provinces.

She further said that under the 18th Amendment, culture, education and tourism departments/subjects would be transferred to the provinces up to March 15. staff report

***